.  V5-/17 


DOCUMENTARY  HIST 


ibc  f  jjwtfstant  #|nsif0pl  M\m% 


DIOCESE  OF  VERMONT, 


INCLUDING   THE 


JOURNALS  OF  THE  CONVENTIONS 


From  the  year  1790  to  1832,  inclusive, 


o>«=:c 


NEW   YORK: 

POTT    &    AMERY:  — C  OOPER    UNION 

CLAREMONT,  N.  H.: 

THE  CLAREMONT  MANUFACTURING  COMPANY. 

1870. 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1870, 

By  C.  R.  BATCHELDER, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Vermont. 


Printed  and  bound  at  the  Book-making  Establishment  of 
THE  CLAEEMONT  MANUFACTURING  CO. 


PREFACE. 


The  work  now  presented  to  the  public  was  undertaken  in 
pursuance  of  a  resolution  of  the  Convention  of  the  Diocese  of 
Vermont.  At  first  it  was  contemplated  to  prepare  simply  an 
edition  of  the  Journals  of  that  body  from  1790  to  1832.  The 
Rev.  C.  R.  Batchelder,  the  Rev.  George  B.  Manser,  D.  D.  and  the 
Rev.  Albert  H.  Bailey,  D.  D.  were  appointed  a  committee  to  do 
this  work.  It  soon  became  obvious  to  this  committee  that  a  pub- 
lication of  the  meager  Journals  of  the  Convention  would  not  do 
much  to  elucidate  the  history  of  the  Church  in  Vermont.  Under 
these  circumstances,  it  was  thought  best  to  use  the  various  mate- 
rial in  hand,  and  quite  liable  to  be  lost,  in  the  form  of  notes  for 
the  purpose  of  illustration. 

The  greater  part  of  the  work  was  done  before  the  death  of  Dr. 
Manser  and  was  approved  by  him.  Since  that  time  the  other 
members  of  the  committee  have  been  able  to  add  some  matter  of 
value. 

This  work  has  been  done  in  the  interest  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  Vermont.  The  committee  are  conscious  that  it 
is,  in  many  respects,  imperfect.  Those  who  may  glean,  the  same 
field,  when  they  shall  have  passed  away,  may  add  some  things  of 
importance  and  correct  some  mistakes.  They  have  their  reward 
in  the  reflection  that  they  have  gathered  material  for  a  future  his- 
tory and  thus  have  contributed  something  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Church  of  the  living  God. 


A  complete  Index  to  this  volume  will  be  found  at  the  end  of  the  same. 


AD  VERTISEMElS  T. 


The  Publishers  of  this  work  deem  it  necessary,  on  account  of 
the  exceeding  modesty  of  its  compilers,  to  add,  to  the  few  words 
contained  in  the  Preface,  further  words  of  their  own,  explanatory 
of  its  design  and  merits. 

Its  design  is  to  rescue  and  keep  from  oblivion  most  important 
and  interesting  information  concerning  the  early  establishment  of 
the  Church  in  the  Diocese  of  Vermont.  So  much  might  be 
gathered  from  the  Preface  and  Title  Page. 

Bat  that  is  by  no  means  the  whole  story.  The  Facts  and  Docu- 
ments contained  in  this  volume  are  of  interest  and  value  to  every  Church- 
man throughout  the  United  States.  The  early  Journals,  contained 
in  it,  which  have  never  before  been  published,  are  of  the  most 
meager  character ;  but  the  patient  research  of  our  Compilers  has 
brought  to  light  Letters  and  Papers  which  seem  not  only  to  sup- 
ply the  defects  in  the  Journals,  but  also  to  bring  out  all  the  im- 
portant facts,  and  to  illustrate  even  the  character  of  the  men  who 
figured  in  those  early  days  of  our  Church's  history  in  this  country. 

These  important  and  interesting  papers  can  be  found  collected 
nowhere  else.  The  labor  of  collecting  and  arranging  them  has 
been  a  labor  of  love — for  the  Church's  sake — the  Compilers  look- 
ing for  no  other  reward  than  the  consciousness  of  having  done  it 
for  the  sake  of  their  dear  mother — The  Church  of  the  Living  God. 

Consequently,  just  so  soon  as  the  sale  of  a  sufficient  number  of 
copies  to  guaranty  the  expense  of  publication  was  secured,  the 
manuscript  was  committed  to  the  press. 

The  Publishers,  in  common  with  all  Churchmen  who  have 
seen  the  manuscript,  are  unwilling  that  the  circulation  of  the  vol- 
ume should  be  confined  to  the  few  who  have  subscribed.  Arrange- 
ments have  therefore  been  made,  by  which  those  who  have  had 
no  opportunity  to  become  acquainted  with  the  design  of  publish- 
ing such  a  book  may  still  supply  themselves  by  timely  application. 

Observe,  we  say  timely.  No  owner  of  a  copy  will  ever  be  in- 
duced, by  anything  but  necessity,  to  sell  it,  after  having  once  read 
it ;  and  when  the  few  extra  copies  are  taken  up,  the  opportunity 
for  securing  one  is  lost,  probably,  forever,  as  the  work  is  not  ste- 
reotyped. 

It  is  the  object,  therefore,  of  this  advertisement  to  say  that,  un- 
til the  entire  edition  is  exhausted,  the  publishers  will  fill  orders  as 
fast  as  received,  provided  they  are  accompanied  by  the  money, 
and  it  is  inserted  here,  that  persons  seeing  the  book  and  the  adver- 
tisement together  may  have  no  excuse,  if  they  wish  for  it,  for  neg- 
lecting the  only  measure  for  obtaining  it. 


JOURNAL. 


1790. 

Arlington,  Sept.  1790. 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  : 

ARLINGTON : 

Zadoc  Hard,  Caleb  Dayton, 

Nathan  Canfield,  Luther  Stone. 

SANDGATE : 

Eev.  James  Nichols,  Seth  Bristol. 

Abraham  Bristol,  Enoch  Basset. 

Elihu  Andrews, 

MANCHESTER : 
Kev.  Daniel  Barber,  Nathan  Smith, 

Martin  Powel,  Esq.,  Jabez  Hawley. 

Job  Giddings, 

PAWLET  : 

Ebenezer  Cobb,  Henry  Wooster. 

WEATHERSFIELD  : 

Jesse  Gilbert. 

DORSET : 
Eleazer  Baldwin. 

HINESBURGH  : 

Andrew  Burret,  Esq. 

TINMOUTH : 

Elisha  Hamilton. 

The  Convention  met  at  the  Church  :  the  Rev.  Daniel 
Barber  read  prayers  and  the  Rev.  James  Nichols  preached  a 
sermon. 


6  JOURJ^J.L-1790. 

The  Convention  adjourned  to  meet  again  at  2  o'clock, 
P.  M. 

The  Convention  met  at  2  o'clock,  P.  M.  and  adjourned  to 
the  dwelling-house  of  Luther  Stone,  Esq.,  and  proceeded  to 
business. 

Mr.  Eleazer  Baldwin  was  chosen  Chairman  and  Eev. 
Daniel  Barber,  Secretary. 

A  letter  from  the  Rev.  Thomas  Elison  of  Albany  was  read. 

The  Convention  requested  Messrs.  Giddings  and  Todd  to 
endeavor  to  obtain  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  for  the  pur- 
pose of  securing  to  the  Church  the  possession  of  their  Lands. 

Ordered,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Convention  be  properly 
returned  to  the  Rev.  Thomas  EKson,  for  his  friendly  letter. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Thomas  Elison  be  requested  to 
preach  at  the  opening  of  the  next  Convention. 

Adjourned  sine  die. 


The  Lands  contemplated  in  the  action  of  this  Convention  were 
those  reserved  in  "  The  New  Hampshire  Grants,"  made  by  Ben- 
ning  Wentworth,  the  Governor  of  that  Province,  subsequent  to 
1741.  "  The  whole  number  of  Grants  amounted  to  one  hundred 
and  thirty-eight;  and  their  extent  was  from  Connecticut  River  to 
what  was  esteemed  twenty  miles  east  of  Hudson's  River,  so  far  as 
that  extended  to  the  northward ;  and  after  that  as  far  west  as  the 
eastern  shore  of  Lake  Champlain."  Williams'  Hist.  Vt.  vol.  ii,  c.  i. 

"  In  the  Grants  of  land  that  were  made  by  Gov.  Wentworth, 
there  were  three  rights  in  each  township,  reserved  for  religious 
purposes.  One  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  in  For- 
eign Parts ;  one  for  a  Glebe,  designed  for  the  use  of  an  Episcopal 
Clergy ;  a  third  for  the  first  settled  Minister,  intended  for  his  pri- 
vate property  to  encourage  the  settlement  of  a  Minister  in  the 
new  plantations."     WilHams'  Hist.  Vt.,  vol.  ii,  c.  x. 

The  Reservations  in  these  Grants  were  made  in  the  following 
form  and  words :  "  His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq.,  a 
tract  of  land  containing  five  hundred  acres,  as  marked,  B.  W.  in 
the  plan,  which  is  to  be  accounted  two  of  the  within  shares;  One 
whole  share  for  the  Incorporated  Society  for  the  Propagation  of 


JOURJ{AL-1790.  7 

the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts ;  One  share  for  a  Glebe  for  the 
Church  of  England  as  by  law  established ;  One  share  for  the  first 
settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel ;  One  share  for  the  benefit  of  a 
School  in  said  town," 

"Province  of  New  Hampshire" date "recorded  in  the 

Book  of  Charters,  page" . 

"  Theodore  Atkinson,  Sec'ry." 

Thompson's  Vermont,  Part  II,  p.  224. 

The  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts 
took  an  early  and  proper  notice  of  these  Grants.  "  The  proceed- 
ings on  the  16th  of  July  1762  and  the  16th  of  March  1764,  show 
an  acceptance  of  the  donation ;  and  a  resolution  that  agents  be 
appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  patents  and  warrants  for  the  land, 
and  for  such  other  purposes  as  the  interests  of  the  society  may 
require." 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  Society  held  December  17,  1773,  the  So- 
ciety agreed,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  Society  to  empower 
Mr.  Cossitt  to  see  that  justice  be  done  to  the  Society,  in  the  allot- 
ment of  Glebes,  etc.,  in  New  Hampshire." 

"  The  Society  resolved  to  agree  that  a  letter  of  attorney  be  sent 
to  the  Governor  of  New  Hampshire,  empowering  Mr.  Cossitt  to 
act  in  behalf  of  the  Society  with  regard  to  these  lands,  and  leav- 
ing blanks  for  persons  whom  the  Governor  may  think  proper  to 
insert." 

"  On  the  20th  of  May  1785,  a  report  was  made  to  the  Society 
relative  to  their  lands,  and  the  meeting  resolved,  that  the  Secre- 
tary do  write  to  some  one  or  more  members  of  the  Church  of 
England  in  each  of  the  States  of  America,  in  which  the  Society 
has  any  property,  to  take  all  proper  care  in  securing  said  property ; 
and  further  to  inform  such  persons  that  it  is  the  intention  of  the 
Society  to  make  over  all  such  property  to  the  use  of  the  Episco- 
pal Church  in  that  country,  in  whatever  form,  after  communica- 
tion with  the  several  governments,  shall  appear  to  be  most  effect- 
ual for  that  purpose."     Peters'  Reports,  vol.  iv,  pp.  482,  483. 

Applications  to  the  Propagation  Society,  for  the  conveyance  of 
its  lands  in  Vermont,  had  been  made,  by  parties  not  now  known 
before  the  Meeting  of  the  Convention  at  Arlington.     These  were 
rejected  by  the  Society  in  May  1790.  Peters'  Rep.  vol.  iv,  p.  483. 


8  JOUBJfAL-1790. 

In  June  1785  the  Legislature  of  Vermont  held  an  adjourned 
Session  at  Norwich.  On  the  10th  day  of  June,  a  Memorial,  signed 
by  John  Wheelock,  Esq.,  President  of  Dartmouth  College  and 
Moor's  Charity  School,  praying,  in  behalf  of  said  Institution,  for  a 
grant  of  land,  was  presented,  read,  and  referred  to  a  Committee  of 
three  on  the  part  of  the  House  to  join  a  Committee  of  the  Council 
"  to  take  the  same  under  consideration,  and  report  their  opinion 
to  this  House."  On  the  part  of  the  House,  Col.  Stephen  R.  Brad- 
ley of  Westminster,  Maj.  Elisha  Burton  of  Norwich  and  Samuel 
Knight,  Esq.  of  Brattleborough,  were  chosen.  Journal  1785,  p.  2(j. 

On  the  11th  of  June,  the  above  named  Committee  brought  in  a 
report,  signed  by  Jonas  Fay  of  the  Council,  recommending  in 
consideration  of  the  importance  of  Dartmouth  College  "  to  man- 
kind universally,  and  to  this  Commonwealth  in  particular,"  and  of 
"the  patriotic  display  of  benevolence  by  the  President,  in  his 
indefatigable  exertions  to  diffuse  all  the  benign  influence  of  the 
institution  through  this  State,"  the  grant  of  23,040  acres  of  land, 
"to  be  to  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  same  forever."  This  report 
being  read  and  accepted,  it  was  ordered.  That  the  Petitioner  have 
leave  to  bring  in  a  Bill  accordingly.     Journal  1785,  pp.  29,  30. 

Tuesday,  June  14th.  "  A  Bill,  entitled.  An  Act  granting  23,040 
acres  of  land  to  the  Trustees  of  Dartmouth  College,  and  the  Pres- 
ident of  Moor's  Charity  School,  to  and  for  the  use  of  said  College 
and  School,  was  brought  in,  agreeable  to  order,  read,  and  accept- 
ed, and  sent  to  the  Governor  and  Council  for  perusal  and  propo- 
sals of  amendment."     Journal  1785,  p.  34. 

The  Act,  the  title  of  which  is  given  above,  may  be  seen  in  Ver- 
mont State  Papers,  p.  497. 

In  pursuance  qf  this  Act,  a  Charter  was  issued  by  Governor 
Chittenden,  dated  June  14th,  1785,  for  a  tract  of  land  six  miles 
square.  This  Grant  was  named  Wheelock,  and  is  situated  in  Cal- 
edonia County.     Vermont  State  Papers,  497. 

"  The  readiness  with  which  so  important  a  grant  had  been  made 
to  Dartmouth  College,  stimulated  Dr.  Wheelock  to  attend  the 
next  session  of  the  Legislature,  in  October  of  the  same  year,  to 
ask  for  a  further  and  still  larger  one.  The  Legislature  was  then 
sitting  at  Windsor.  An  anonymous  article  appeared  in  the  Ver- 
mont Journal,  a  newspaper  published  in  that  'place,  intended  to 


JOURJ^AL-1790.  9 

drive  the  Doctor  from  the  ground,  and  to  excite  in  the  minds  of 
the  members  a  suspicion^  at  least,  that  the  future  wants  of  their 
own  State  might  better  receive  their  attention.  The  effect  was 
favorable."     Am.  Quar.  Reg.,  vol.  xiii,  p.  394. 

"  The  scheme  of  making  Vermont  in  a  further  degree  subsidi- 
ary to  Dartmouth  College,  was  not  relinquished,  and  came  up  at 
the  October  session  of  the  next  year,  1786,  in  a  new  and  very  im- 
posing form.  The  Secretary  of  the  Trustees,  in  a  letter  to  Gov- 
ernor Chittenden,  introduces  the  subject  as  one  of  the  greatest 
consequence  '  to  the  benefit  and  glory  of  the  State,'  and  refers  to 
President  Wheelock  as  fully  empowered  to  act  on  the  matter  in 
behalf  of  the  Trustees.  The  President  in  his  communications, 
after  lauding  '  the  rapid  progress  of  the  State  towards  the  summit 
of  civilization  and  the  arts,  under  the  wise  guidance  of  the  Legis- 
lature,' and  showing  what  an  amount  of  clear  gain  would  accrue 
to  its  citizens,  in  solid  coin,  from  not  having  to  spend  any  money 
in  sustaining  academies  and  colleges,  having  sti-engthened  these 
points  by  the  introduction  of  other  related  topics,  proceeds  to 
make  in  substance  the  following  propositions  :  That  the  Legisla- 
ture sequester  for  the  use  of  Dartmouth  College  the  rights  of  land 
reserved  in  the  New  Hampshire  Grants  for  the  Propagation  So- 
ciety, and  for  the  purpose  of  Glebes,  and  those  in  the  Vermont 
Grants  for  the  use  of  Academies  and  a  College,  and  that  on  their 
so  doing,  the  Trustees  were,  in  a  reasonable  time,  to  set  up  and 
maintain  an  Academy  in  each  County  with  suitable  instructors, 
tuition  at  the  institutions  and  at  Dartmouth  College,  or  at  a 
branch  college  to  be  set  up  within  the  State,  if  the  Legislature 
shall  ever  think  it  necessary,  to  be  free  of  charge  for  tuition  to  all 
students  from  the  State.  Moreover,  if  after  accomplishing  so 
much,  any  surplus  revenue  should  accrue  from  the  lands,  it  was 
to  be  applied  for  the  support  of  free  schools ;  and  the  Legislature 
if  judged  best,  might  appoint  Commissioners  to  see  all  the  pro- 
ceeds properly  applied.  Should  the  Legislature  not  wish  to  go 
upon  the  entire  plan,  they  might  adopt  a  part  of  it,  with  a  corres- 
ponding diminution  of  grants  on  their  part,  and  benefits  rendered 
by  the  other  party,"     Am.  Quar.  Reg.,  vol.  xiii,  pp.  394,  395. 

The  plan  was  reported  upon  by  a  joint  Committee  of  the  As- 
sembly and  Council  as  deserving  consideration,  and  one  which 


10  JOVRKAL-1790. 

would  beneficially  affect  the  State  in  important  particulars.  The 
business  was  referred  to  the  next  Session  of  the  Legislature,  and 
the  Letters  and  Report  ordered  to  be  published  in  "  both  the  news- 
papers in  this  State,  three  weeks  successively,  at  the  cost  of  the 
State."  The  publication  of  these  papers  excited  considerable  at- 
tention, and  drew  forth  sundry  communications  in  prose  and  dog- 
gerel rhyme.  Some  of  these  were  in  favor  of  the  scheme ;  but 
most  of  them  were  decidedly  against  it.  At  the  adjourned  Ses- 
sion of  the  Legislature,  in  the  ensuing  February,  the  subject  of 
Dartmouth  College  came  up  for  consideration.  It  was  referred 
to  a  committee  with  power  to  name  Commissioners.  This  Com- 
mittee reported  in  favor  of  referring  the  matter  to  the  next  Ses- 
sion of  the  Legislature.  This  report  was  adopted.  During  the 
same  day,  however,  this  action  was  reconsidered  by  a  vote  of 
twenty-four  to  twenty-three.  The  affair  of  Dartmouth  College 
was  then  disposed  of  by  the  resolution,  "  That  the  proposals  from 
the  College  are  such  as  cannot  be  accepted."  Am.  Quar.  Reg., 
vol.  xiii,  p.  395 ;  Church  Review,  vol.  iv,  pp.  582,  583. 

The  Letters  and  Reports  may  be  seen  in  the  Vermont  Journal, 
printed  at  Windsor,  for  January  1,  1787,  et  seq.,  and  in  the  Ver- 
mont Gazette,  printed  at  Bennington,  for  November  27,  1786, 
etseq.  Articles  by  "A  Vermont  Farmer,"  "A  Faithful  Examiner," 
and  "Peter  Wimble"  are  in  the  Journal  for  Jan.  22d,  Feb.  12th 
and  19th;  and  articles  by  "  A  Watchman,"  "An  Inhabitant  of 
Vermont"  and  by  "John  Wheelock,"  are  in  the  Gazette  for  Feb. 
19th  and  26th,  1787. 

Before  the  subject  of  Dartmouth  College  was  taken  up  in  the 
Legislature  of  1787,  the  Hon.  Nathaniel  Chipman,  the  Chief  Jus- 
tice of  the  State,  and  several  other  Episcopalians,  prompted  by 
the  action  of  the  Propagation  Society  in  1785,  presented  a  Peti- 
tion to  that  honorable  body,  setting  forth,  that  there  are,  within 
this  State,  many  Rights  of  Land  formerly  granted  to  a  Society  in 
England  by  the  name  of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  and  that  said  Society  have  proposed  to 
convey  said  Lands  to  a  Society  or  Societies,  to  be  incorporated 
under  the  direction  of  any  State  where  such  Lands  may  lie,  and 
praying  that  a  Society  may  be  incorporated  for  the  purpose  of 
communicating  with  the  aforesaid  Society  in  Great  Britain,  and 
of  receiving  from  them  a  conveyance  of  the  aforesaid  Lands. 


JOVUKAL-1790.  11 

This  respectful  Petition  was  not  honored  with  a  reference  even  ; 
but  having  been  read  it  was  dismissed.  Church  Review,  vol.  iv, 
p.  583. 

These,  and  various  other  applications  from  towns,  served  to 
turn  the  attention  of  the  Legislature  to  the  reserved  rights  in  the 
New  Hampshire  grants  and  excite  its  cupidity.  The  desire  for 
this  property  begat  the  purpose  to  take  it.  The  Committee  ap- 
pointed in  October,  1786,  on  the  subject  of  Dartmouth  College, 
while  they  recommended  the  reference  of  it  to  the  next  Session  of 
the  Legislature,  gave,  in  their  report,  this  opinion  respecting  the 
fee  of  the  lands  granted  to  the  Propagation  Society  :  "  In  the 
opinion  of  this  Committee,  the  lands  formerly  claimed  by  the  So- 
ciety for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  Revolution,  are  now  become  the  property  of  the 
citizens  of  Vermont."  And,  in  October,  1787,  an  Act  was  passed, 
authorizing  the  Selectmen  of  the  several  towns,  to  take  care  of 
and  improve  the  Glebe  and  Society  lands,  for  the  space  of  seven 
years,  and  to  apply  the  incomes  to  the  improvements  of  the  lands. 
In  this  Act  an  exception  was  made  of  those  Glebes  which  might 
be  in  the  actual  possession  of  Episcopal  Ministers.  This  law,  and 
the  additional  one  of  1789,  was  but  little  attended  to,  and  was 
not  at  all  competent  to  the  improvement  of  the  lands  or  to  render 
them  beneficial  to  the  State,  or  to  any  valuable  purpose.  Wil- 
liams' Hist,  Vt.,  vol.  ii,  c.  x;  Journal  1789,  pp.  40,  50,  58. 

During  the  Session  of  the  Legislature  in  October,  1789,  "  a  Pe- 
tition from  Matthew  Lyon,  praying  a  grant  of  a  lot  of  land  lying 
within  this  State,  in  the  town  of  Fairhaven,  belonging  to  the  So- 
ciety for  the  Propapation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,"  was 
presented,  read  and  referred  to  the  next  Legislature.  Early  in 
the  Session  of  the  Legislature  in  October,  1790,  this  Petition 
was  taken  up,  considered  and  finally  dismissed.  Journal  1789,  p. 
49 ;  1790,  pp.  6,  16,  32. 

With  a  view  to  relief  from  the  restraint  of  the  laws  of  1787  and 
1789,  the  Committee  of  the  Convention  at  Arlington  was  appoint- 
ed and  requested  to  endeavor  to  obtain  an  Act  of  the  Legislature 
for  the  purpose  of  securing  to  the  Church  the  possession  of  their 
Lands.  Mr.  Todd  was  a  Member  of  the  Legislature  from  Arling  - 
ton  in  1790.      But  no  effort   appears,  from  the  Journal  of  the 


12  JOUBMAL-1791-2. 

Legislature  for  that  year,  to  have  been  made  in  behalf  of  the  in- 
terests of  the  Church. 


1791. 

Of  the  Convention  of  1791,  no  record  is  known  to  exist. 
A  Convention  was  probably  held  at  Arlington  on  the  21st 
of  September.  In  the  Records  of  the  Parish  in  that  town, 
there  is  the  following  record  of  a  Parish  Meeting  acting  with 
reference  to  a  Convention,  holden  on  the  sixth  day  of  Sep- 
tember :  "  Voted,  that  Mr.  Zadoc  Hard  be  one  of  a  Commit- 
tee to  attend  the  Convention  of  the  Episcopal  Church  to  be 
held  at  Arlington  on  the  twenty-first  day  of  September, 
instant." 

"  Voted,  that  Caleb  Dayton  be  one  to  attend  said  Con- 
vention." 

"Voted,  that  Nathan  Canfield,  Esq.,  be  one  to  attend 
said  Convention." 

"  Voted,  that  Tyrus  Hurd  be  one  to  attend  said  Conven- 
tion." 

Something  may  have  hindered  the  Delegates  from  the  few 
widely  scattered  Parishes  in  the  State,  from  meeting  in 
numbers  sufficient  to  organize  and  act  as  a  Convention. 


1792. 

Manchester,  Sept.  19,  1792. 
At  a  regular  Convention   of  the    Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  holden  at  Manchester,  on  the  19  th  day  of  Septem- 
ber, 1792,  the  following  gentlemen  appeared  as  Members, 
produced  their  Credentials  and  took  their  seats,  viz. 

SANDGATE: 

Rev.  James  Nichols,  John  Wadkins, 

Abel  Bristol,  Enoch  Basset. 


JOUBJfJ.L-1792.  13 

BENNINGTON: 

Thomas  Bumfoed,  Esq.,        Geo.  McEleheron. 

ARLINGTON: 

Zadoc  Hard,  Andrew  Hawley. 

manchester: 
Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  Jonathan  Benedict, 

Job  Giddings,  Jabez  Hawley. 

DORSET : 
Eleazer  Baldwin,'  Samuel  Marsh,  Esq. 

Asa  Baldwin, 

PAWLET: 

Benoni  Smith,  Ebenezer  Cobb. 

Henry  Wooster, 

CASTLETON : 

John  Whitlock. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  house  of  public  worship 
to  attend  Divine  Service.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Catlin  read  prayers, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nichols  preached. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  business. 

Mr.  Eleazer  Baldwin  was  chosen  Chairman,  and  the  Rev. 
Daniel  Barber,  Secretary, 


What  was  said  and  done  in  this  Convention,  the  Record  of 
which  is  so  meagre,  we  have  very  scant  means  of  knowing.  It 
seems  probable  that  the  question  of  Church  rights  and  property 
received  due  consideration.  In  October,  only  a  few  days  after  the 
time  of  this  meeting,  a  "  Petition  of  the  Members  of  the  Episcopal 
Church  Convention,"  was  presented  to  the  Legislature  then  in  ses- 
sion at  Rutland,  "  praying  that  all  the  power  and  authority  which 
the  Selectmen  have  in  their  respective  towns,  over  Glebe  and  So- 
ciety Lands  in  this  State,  in  which  there  are  no  settled  or  offici- 
ating Clergymen,  given  them  by  virtue  of  an  Act  passed  by^  the 
Assembly,  on  the  26th  of  October,  1787,  may,  so  far  as  it  respects 
Glebe  Lands,  be  transferred  to  the  standing  Church  Committee, 
appointed  by  their  Convention,  and  their  successors  in  office." 


14  JOTJBKAL-1793. 

Having  been  read,  this  Petition  was  referred  to  a  Committee, 
consisting  of  one  member  from  each  "County,  to  join  such  Com- 
mittee as  the  Council  shall  appoint.  Members  chosen,  Messrs. 
Josiah  Wright,  Pownal ;  Arad  Hunt,  Hinsdale ;  Eli  Coggswell, 
Castleton;  Abel  Thompson,  Femsburgh;  William  Chamberlin 
Peacham;  Jonathan  Hoit,  St.  Albans,  and  Benjamin  Emmons, 
Woodstock.     Journal  1792,  pp.  13, 14. 

Thursday,  Nov.  1st.  "The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred 
the  Petition  of  the  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  reported  a 
Bill,  entitled  '  An  Act  incorporating  and  giving  certain  powers  to 
the  Church  Committee,  appointed  by  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Convention,  within  this  State,'  which  was  read,  and  ordered  that 
the  same  be  referred  to  the  next  session  of  the  Assembly."  Jour- 
nal 1792,  p.  82. 

November  5th  a  Bill  was  introduced  entitled  "An  Act  directing 
the  mode  of  securing  lands  within  this  State,  granted  by  Charter 
to  the  first  settled  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  and  to  the  Society  for 
propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts."  This  Bill  passed  the 
first  and  second  reading,  and  was  then  "  referred  to  the  next  ses- 
sion of  the  Assembly."     Journal  1792,  pp.  93,  105. 

A  Bill  of  a  severer  aspect,  having  the  same  design  as  the  above, 
was  brought  before  the  Legislature  at  an  earlier  day  than  this.  It 
was  read  once,  laid  on  the  table  and  never  taken  up.  Journal 
1792,  p.  82. 


1793. 

The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  State  of  Vermont  met  at  Pawlet,  September  18th,  1793. 
Members  present  : 

SANDGATE : 

Kev.  James  Nichols,  Enoch  Basset. 

Abraham  Bristol, 

ARLINGTON : 

Zadoc  Hard,  Caleb  Dayton. 

DORSET : 

Eleazer  Baldwin,  Jonathan  Armstrong. 


J0URJ{AL-1793.  15 

MANCHESTER: 

Eev.  Daniel  Barber,  Truman  Squires. 

Job  Giddings, 

PAWLET  : 

Capt.  Jona.  Willard,  Ebenezer  Cobb. 

TINMOUTH: 

Ebenezer  Mervin. 

FAIRHAVEN: 

Col.  Matthew  Lyon. 

castleton : 
John  Whitlock. 

WELLS : 

Jatson  Taylor,  David  Lewis. 

bennington : 
William  McElheron. 

SALISBURY: 
Stephen  Hard,  Esq. 

SHELBURN: 

Kev.  Bethuel  Chittenden. 

HARTLAND : 

Rev.  J.  C.  Ogden. 

RUPERT: 

Grove  Moore,  Esq. 

The  above  named  Members  produced  their  Credentials 
and  took  their  seats. 

Motioned  by  Col.  Lyon,  that  John  Prindle  and  Joshua 
Thompson  of  Granville  be  invited  to  take  seats  in  this  Con- 
vention. 

Eleazer  Baldwin  was  chosen  Chairman,  and  Eev.  Daniel 
Barber,  Secretary. 

Resolved,  That  the  persons  whose  names  are  inserted  in  a 
Bill,  lying  before  the  General  Assembly  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  an  Act  of  Incorporation,  shall  be  the  Standing 
Committee  of  this  Convention  for  the  year  ensuing. 


16  JOURjYAL-1793. 

Resolved,  That  six  persons  be  appointed  a  Committee  for 
the  purpose  of  recommending  Candidates  to  the  Bishop  for 
Holy  Orders. 

The  following  persons  were  appointed,  viz. 

Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  Rev.  Bethiiel  Chittenden, 

Rev.  Russel  Catlin,  Eleazer  Baldwin, 

Rev.  James  Nichols,  Zadoc  Hard. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Daniel  Barber  and  Col.  Matthew 
Lyon  be  appointed  members  to  attend  the  General  Conven- 
tion of  the  United  States,  should  there  be  any  convened  this 
year. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  a  Committee  to 
make  application  to  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Grospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  fot-  a  conveyance  of  their  lands 
within  this  State  ;  viz.  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,  Col.  Mat- 
thew Lyon,  Ebenezer  Marvin,  Eleazer  Baldwin,  Truman 
Squier,  Rev.  James  Nichols,  Rev.  Daniel  Barber  and  Rev. 
J.  C.  Ogden.  (a) 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  a  Committee  to 
nominate  a  Bishop  to  preside  over  the  Church  in  this  State; 
viz.  Rev.  James  Nichols,  Rev.  J.  C.  Ogden,  Rev.  Bethuel 
Chittenden,  Matthew  Lyon,  Truman  Squier  and  George 
McEleheron. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  Morning  at  8  o'clock. 

Sept.  19th,  1793.  The  Convention  opened  according  to 
adjournment, 

Mr.  Job  Giddings  was  appointed  Treasurer. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Conven- 
tion be  returned  to  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Ogden  for  his  Sermon 
delivered  yesterday,  and  a  Copy  of  the  same  requested  for 
the  Press. 

Voted,  to  elect  the  Reverend  Doctor  Edward  Bass,  Rector 
of  Neiohuryijort,  to  he  Bishop  of  this  State,  (b) 

Daniel  Chipman,  Esq.,  member  from  Rutland,  produced 
his  Credentials  and  took  his  seat. 


JOURXAL-1793.  17 

Voted,  That  the  Secretary  subscribe  a  Letter  to  the 
Reverend  Dr.  Bass,  in  behalf  of  this  Convention,  notifying 
hi^i  of  his  election. 

(a)  This  Committee  was  appointed  in  anticipation  that  the  Bill 
introduced  into  the  Legislature  of  1792  and  referred  to  the  session 
of  this  year,  would  become  a  Law.  It  does  not  appear,  however, 
from  the  Journal  of  the  Legislature  for  1793,  that  the  Bill  was 
taken  up  for  consideration. 

Something  having  reference  to  the  Church  lands  was  attempted 
at  this  meeting  of  the  Legislature.  October,  18th,  1793,  Mr, 
Oliver  Gallup  of  Hartland,  "  moved  for  liberty  to  bring  in  a  Bill 
entitled.  An  Act  in  explanation  of  an  act,  passed  October  26th, 
1787,  entitled,  '  An  Act  authorizing  the  Selectmen  of  the  several 
towns  in  this  State,  to  improve  the  Glebe  and  Society  Lands.'  " 
The  Bill  was  brought  in,  read,  laid  on  the  table,  and  on  the  second 
reading,  October  30th,  it  was  dismissed.  Journal  1793,  pp.  71, 
153,  154. 

November  2d,  the  same  gentlemen,  with  the  intention  of  doing 
something  in  regard  to  the  property  of  the  Church,  "  moved  for 
liberty  to  bring  in  a  Bill,  entitled,  An  Act  to  extend  the  opera- 
tion of  an  act,  entitled,  '  An  Act  authorizing  the  Selectmen  in  the 
several  towns  in  this  State  to  improve  the  Glebe  and  Society 
lands,  etc.,  in  certain  cases  therein  mentioned."  Leave  was 
granted  him,  the  Bill  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table.  Jour- 
nal 1793,  p.  192. 

This  Bill  was  not,  during  the  Session,  taken  from  the  table. 
The  design  of  these  movements,  especially  the  last  one,  may  have 
been  to  prevent  the  actual  sequestration  of  these  lands  by  the 
State,  in  the  hope  of  obtaining  a  proper  conveyance  of  the  Propa- 
gation Rights  to  the  Church  in  this  State. 

The  Committee  of  the  Convention,  although  disappointed  so 
far  as  respected  any  favorable  action  of  the  Legislature,  appear  to 
have  done  what  they  could  to  secure  a  conveyance  of  the  Propa- 
gation Rights.  "  On  the  16th  of  May,  1794,  an  application  was 
made  to  the  Society  through  the  Bishop  of  New  York,  by  the 
Episcopal  Convention  of  Vermont,  requesting  the  Society  to  con- 
vey, for  the  support  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  that  Diocese,  the 


18  JOURJfAL-1793. 

land  held  by  the  Society  in  Vermont,  under  grants  from  New 
Hampshire.  The  Committee  of  the  Society  made  a  report  as  fol- 
lows :  The  Conmiittee  agreed  in  opinion,  that  the  Bishop  of  Xew 
York  be  assured  of  the  Society's  readiness  to  concur  in  any  meas- 
ures which  can  forward  the  establishment  of  an  Episcopal  Church. 
But  having  considered  that  former  applications  have  been  made 
from  the  State  of  Vermont,  differing  in  their  intentions  from  the 
present,  which  were  rejected  by  the  Society  in  May  1790 ;  ai^d  at 
the  same  time  Mr.  Parker,  of  Boston,  when  he  obtained  a  deed 
from  the  Society  for  the  conveyance  of  their  lands  in  New  Hamp- 
shire, had  signified  that  he  should  not  trouble  them  respecting 
Vermont,  till  he  should  know  the  operation  of  that  deed  ;  and  hav- 
ing never  since  heard  from  Mr.  Parker  on  that  subject,  are  of  the 
opinion,  that  there  is  not  sufficient  ground  for  the  Society  to  exe- 
cute the  present  deed."     4  Peters'  Reports,  483. 

(b)  Having  been  informed  of  his  election,  Dr.  Bass,  under  the 
date  of  January  2d,  1794,  returned  the  following  c'nswer,  which 
must  be  regarded  as  an  acceptance  of  the  office  of  Bishop  : 

"  I  apprehend  that  the  Clergy  and  People  of  Vermont  cannot 
reasonably  support  the  immediate  residence  of  a  Bishop  among 
them,  but  only  temporary  visitations,  until  he  sliall,  by  the  in- 
crease of  the  lands,  be  enabled  to  live  in  his  proper  district." 

"  As  to  my  determination  respecting  the  election,  when  I  con- 
sider the  importance  of  the  station,  and  what  a  weight  it  must 
lay  upon  my  mind,  I  cannot  help  hesitating." 

"I  shall,  however,  accept  of  it,  provided  they  do  not  .require 
my  constant  residence.  Wishing  you  to  communicate  their 
minds  to  me  as  to  this  particular,  I  may  possibly,  next  spring  or 
summer,  repair  to  the  proper  place  for  consecration,  if  you  and 
one  or  two  others  of  the  Clergy  will  engage  to  come  down  here, 
each  one  a  week  or  two,  to  supply  my  place." 

"  I  shall  write  your  Convention,  and  give  them  notice  of  my 
intention,  and  of  the  exact  time  of  my  departure,  and  shall  wish 
to  have  some  of  you  here,  the  Sunday  before  my  setting  out." 

"  All  this,  provided  you  consent  to  the  above  conditions." 

The  foregoing  paragraphs  are  certified  to  be  a  true  copy  of  the 
Letter  of  Dr.  Bass  by  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Ogden,  to  whom  the  original 
was  addressed. 


JOVRKAL-1793.  19 

There  may  have  been  other  communications  from  Dr.  Bass ; 
but  at  this  distance  of  time,  we  have  no  knowledge  of  any.  As 
the  course  taken  by  the  Churchmen  of  Vermont,  soon  after  the 
reception  of  the  above  communication,  must  ever  appear  hasty 
and  disrespectful,  it  is  fit  to  give  here  a  brief  account  of  this  ven- 
erable and  devout  man. 

Edward  Bass — the  grandson  of  Samuel  Bass  who  came  to  this 
country  about  the  year  1630, — was  born  at  Dorchester,  Massachu- 
setts, November  23d,  1726.  He  graduated,  with  honor,  at  Harvard 
College,  1774.  During  the  first  three  years  after  his  graduation, 
he  was  employed  in  teaching  school  and  in  theological  reading.  In 
1747,  he  took  his  second  degree,  and,  from  that  time,  until  1751, 
he  resided  at  the  College,  pursuing  his  theological  studies.  In 
the  meantime  he  received  a  license  to  preach  in  the  Congrega- 
tional denomination.  In  1752,  he  left  that  sect  and  joined  the 
Episcopal  Church.  In  the  early  part  of  the  same  year,  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  Church  in  Newbury,  he  went  to  England  foi'  Ordina- 
tion. He  was  ordained  Deacon,  on  the  24th  of  May,  by  Bishop 
Sherlock.  Having  subsequently  received  Priest's  Orders,  he  re- 
turned in  the  autumn  of  that  year,  and  took  charge  of  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Newbury.  In  the  time  of  the  Revolution,  Mr.  Bass,  with 
much  reluctance  conformed,  in  the  use  of  the  Liturgy,  so  far  as 
respected  the  King  and  the  Royal  Family,  to  the  wishes  of  his 
Parish  and  the  public  sentiment  of  New  England.  The  Society 
for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  at  once  withdrew  his  salary  as 
a  Missionary.  By  the  aid  of  generous  friends,  however,  he  con- 
tinued in  the  quiet  discharge  of  his  ministerial  duties. 

On  the  4th  day  of  June,  1789,  at  a  meeting  of  six  Presbyters, 
including  Mr.  Bass,  belonging  to  Massachusetts  and  New  Hamp- 
shire, held  at  Salem,  Mr.  Bass  was  elected  Bishop  over  the 
Churches  in  these  States.  Application  for  his  consecration  was 
made  to  the  Bishops  of  Connecticut,  New  York  and  Pennsylvania. 
The  election  being  irregular,  and  the  Churches  in  those  States 
not  being  in  union  with  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
United  States,  the  papers  relating  to  it  were  laid  before  the  Gen- 
eral Convention  at  Philadelphia,  July  30th,  1789,  by  Bishop 
White.  After  due  consideration,  the  matter  was  disposed  of,  Au- 
gust 5th,  by  several  Resolutions,  offered  by  the  Rev,  Dr.  Smith  of 


20  FA  CTS  AJTB  D  O  CTJMEKTS-179J{.. 

Mai'yland.  By  the  4th  one,  the  three  Bishops  were  requested  to 
comply  with  the  prayer  of  the  Clergy  of  Massachusetts  and  New 
Hampshire  for  the  consecration  of  Mr.  Bass ;  but  that  before  they 
should  do  so,  a  Convention  as  proposed  by  Massachusetts  and  New 
Hampshire,  of  the  Churches  in  New  England  and  of  the  three 
States  above  named,  with  the  Bishops  of  the  same,  should  meet  to 
settle  certain  Articles  of  Union  and  Discipline  among  all  the 
Churches.  This  Convention  met  at  Philadelphia,  September  29th, 
1789.  The  Churches  of  Connecticut,  Massachusetts  and  New 
Hampshire,  by  tlheir  Deputies,  formally  agreed  and  subscribed  to 
the  Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  on  the  2d  of 
October,  1789.  But  no  steps  seem  subsequently  to  have  been 
taken  for  the  consecration  of  Mr.  Bass.  In  July  1789,  Mr.  Bass 
received  the  degree  of  Doctor  in  Divinity  from  the  University 
of  Pennsylvania.  September  19th,  1793,  Dr.  Bass  was  elected 
Bishop  of  Vermont.  No  means,  however,  appear  to  have  been 
taken  to  secure  his  consecration.  As  the  Church  in  Vermont 
had  not  as  yet  adopted  the  Constitution  of  the  Church  in  this 
country,  it  could  not  have  taken  place.  In  the  early  part  of 
1796,  Dr.  Bass  was  duly  elected  Bishop  of  Massachusetts,  and  on 
the  7th  of  May,  he  was  consecrated  in  Christ  Church,  Philadel- 
phia by  Bishops  White,  Provoost  and  Claggett.  This  office  he 
held  a  little  more  than  six  years,  retaining,  also,  his  Rectorship. 
He  died  September  10th,  1803,  in  the  74th  year  of  his  age,  and 
the  51st  of  his  Ministry  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 


1794. 

FACTS  AND  DOCUMENTS. 
The  year  1794  was  one  of  great  and  critical  interest  to  the 
Episcopal  Church  in  Vermont.  Unfortunately,  no  connected  and 
authentic  record  of  what  was  done  in  the  Convention,  or  Conven- 
tions, of  that  year,  was  made  and  preserved.  From  some  ascer- 
tained facts,  and  documents  of  various  kinds,  however,  some 
things  may  be  gathered,  possessing  much  historical  value.  For 
the  statement  of  these  facts,  and  the  due  preservation  of  these 
documents,  this  place  may  be  at  once  fit  and  convenient. 


FACTS  AKB  BOCVMEKTS,-1794.  21 

February  27th,  1794,  a  Special  Convention  of  the  Diocese  was 
holden  at  Manchester.  Of  this  Convention  Eleazer  Baldwin  was 
President,  and  the  Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  Secretary.  In  this  Con- 
vention, a  little  less  than  two  months  after  the  Rev,  Dr.  Bass  had, 
in  effect,  accepted  the  office  of  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Vermont, 
Col.  John  A.  Graham,  of  Rutland,  nominated  for  Bishop  a  rel- 
ative and  friend  of  himself,  The  Rev.  Samuel  Peters,  LL.  D. 
This  nomination  was  received  with  so  much  favor  that  Dr.  Peters 
was  elected.  Judging  from  two  phrases  in  the  letter  of  Dr. 
Peters,  accepting  the  office  of  Bishop  over  the  Church  in  Ver- 
mont— '■'■the  Convention  had  pretty  unanimoushj  chosen  ?we,"  and  "^Ae 
want  of  unanimity  in  the  Church'''' — we  naturally  conclude  that 
there  was  opposition  to  this  course  of  action  in  the  Convention 
and  in  the  Diocese,  and  that  Dr.  Peters  had  been  informed  in 
regard  to  it.  From  one  of  the  letters  of  Dr.  Peters,  addressed 
to  Truman  Squier,  hereafter  inserted,  we  learn  that  the  Rev. 
Bethuel  Chittenden  was  opposed  to  the  election  and  consecration 
of  Dr.  Peters,  and  that  he  wrote  to  him,  stating,  with  frankness, 
the  reasons  of  his  opposition.  The  aged  and  respected  widow 
of  Mr.  Squier,  still  living  in  Bennington,  resident  in  Manchester 
at  the  time  of  this  Convention,  states  that  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Ogden, 
who  was  her  guest  during  the  time  of  its  session,  was  likewise 
much  opposed  to  the  election  of  Dr.  Peters,  Probably  he  took 
the  same  view  of  the  affair  as  that  entertained  by  Mr.  Chittenden. 

The  same  lady  states  there  was  much  active  exertion  made  by 
the  relatives  and  old  friends  of  Dr,  Peters,  to  effect  his  election. 
Col.  Jarvis  of  Toronto,  Canada,  the  son-in-law  of  Dr.  Peters,  a 
man  of  good  address,  wealth  and  station,  was  present  at  this 
Convention — likewise  her  guest — and  was  very  active  and  earnest 
in  promoting  the  interest  of  his  father.  By  his  influence  and 
that  of  others  a  majority  of  votes  was  secured  in  favor  of  Dr. 
Peters. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Peters  left  this  country  in  September,  1774,  and 
at  the  time  of  his  election  by  the  Convention,  was  residing  in 
London.  Col.  Graham  was  sent  to  England  to  secure  the  Conse- 
cration of  Dr.  Peters  in  that  country.  From  documents,  inserted 
in  the  sequel,  it  appears  that  Col.  Graham  was,  also,  appointed, 
by  the  Standing  Committee  of  the  Convention  of  1793,  Agent 


22  FA  CIS  AJ^D  D O CUMEJ^TS-1794. 

and  Attorney  of  the  Church  in  Vermont  to  procure  a  conveyance 
of  the  land  of  the  Propagation  Society  within  this  State,  to  liiin- 
self  and  certain  other  gentlemen. 

As  Col.  Graham,  after  his  arrival  in  England,  gave  attention 
first  to  the  Society  lands,  we  may  as  well  insert  first  what  papers 
we  have  respecting  his  negotiations  with  the  Society,  and,  after- 
wards, various  documents  in  respect  to  the  desired  consecration  of 
Dr.  Peters. 

The  following  power  of  attorney  was  given  to  Col.  Graham,  by 
the  Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  Secretary  of  the  Convention. 

"  State  of  Vermont : 

These  certify  that  the  honorable  Committee  of  the  Episcopalian 
Convention  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  have  nominated,  constituted 
an  d  appointed  John  A.  Graham,  Esq.  Counsellor  at  Law,  of  Rut 
land,  in  said  State,  their  Agent  and  Attorney  to  Great  Britain,  to 
apply  to  the  Society,  known  by  the  appellation  of  the  Society  for 
the  Propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  and  to  treat  with 
them  relative  to  their  lands  lying  in  the  said  State  of  Vermont, 
and,  in  general,  to  negotiate  and  transact  such  business  in  the 
premises,  as  he,  in  his  wisdom,  shall  think  proper,  and  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Episcopal  Churches  in  the  said  State.  Credit  and 
good  faith  is  therefore  requested  to  be  given  to  him  accordingly. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal,  at  Rutland  this  15th  day  of 
October  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1794. 
DANIEL  BARBER, 

Secretary  of  the  Convention  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont." 

"  By  his  excellency  the  Governor  of  the  State  of  Vermont, — 
To  all  who  shall  see  these  presents, 

Greeting : 
These  certify  that  Daniel  Barber,  signer  of  the  within  certif- 
icate, is  Secretary  to  the  Convention  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in 
this  State.      In  testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of 
this  State  to  be  affixed,  this  15th  day  of  October  A.  D.  1794. 

THOMAS  CHITTENDEN. 
By  the  Governor, 

Joseph  Fay,  Secretary." 

Rural  Magazine,  vol.  ii,  p.  18,  ( 1796.) 


FACTS  AJfD  DOCUMEJ^TS-1794.  23 

The  following  letter  was  addressed  to  the  Rev.  Dr,  Morice  Ly 
Col.  Graham  immediately  after  his  arrival  in  England,  respecting 
the  lands  of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel : 

"  Westminster,  Feb.  4th,  1795. 
Reverend  Sir  : 

The  Committee  of  the  Episcopalian  Convention  of  the  State 
of  Vermont,  having  by  their  letter  of  Attorney  properly  authen- 
ticated, appointed  the  Subscriber  their  Agent  and  Attorney  to 
apply  to  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign 
Parts,  and  to  treat  wiih  them  relative  to  their  lands  lying  in  the 
said  State  of  Vermont,  and  to  negotiate  and  transact  such  busi- 
ness in  the  premises  as  shall  be  thought  proper  for  the  benefit  of 
the  Episcopal  Churches  in  said  State,  he  embraces  the  earliest 
opportunity  of  making  the  following  communication,  which  he 
requests  may  be  laid  before  the  Society. 

About  30  years  ago,  while  the  district  of  country,  now  known 
by  the  name  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  was  a  part  of  the  British 
Colony  of  New-Hampshire,  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq.  then  Gov- 
ernor of  the  said  Colony  of  New-Hampshire,  in  the  Grants  which 
he  made  of  townships  of  land,  in  the  district  of  country  aforesaid, 
by  authority  derived  from  his  present  Majesty,  reserved  to  the 
Society  aforesaid,  certain  portions  of  land,  in  each  town,  for  the 
purpose  of  supporting  the  Church  of  England  in  the  then  Colony 
of  New-Hampshire. 

In  consequence  of  the  political  events  which  have  taken  place 
between  that  country  and  this,  and  the  lapse  of  time  since  the 
Society's  title  commenced,  a  powerful  party  has  been  formed  in 
the  Legislature  of  the  State,  with  professed  views  to  defeat  the 
title  derived  under  the  original  Grant.  As  the  Society  have 
adopted  no  measures,  during  the  long  time  which  has  elapsed,  to 
occupy  and  improve  the  lands,  the  Episcopalian  Convention,  and, 
indeed,  all  friends  to  the  Church  of  England  in  that  country,  are 
under  strong  apprehensions  that  the  profits  of  these  lands  will  be 
lost  to  the  Society,  and  diverted  to  other  purposes,  unless  immedi- 
ate measures  are  taken  to  prevent  it.  The  undersigned  Agent 
will  take  the  liberty  of  stating  for  the  consideration  of  the  Soci- 
ety, the  mode  of  procedure  which  the  Convention,  for  whom  he 


24  FA  CTS  AKD  D  0 CTJMEKTS-T794. 

has  the  honor  to  act,  conceived  would  be  most  conducive  to  the 
interests  of  the  Church  of  England  in  the  State  of  Vermont, 
under  the  existing  circumstances. 

First ;  The  Society  to  release  and  quit-claim  to  the  undersigned 
Agent,  Dr.  Peters,  the  Bishop  elect,  and  William  Hull,  Esq.  of 
Newton,  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts,  all  their  right  and  title  to 
the  lands  aforesaid,  to  the  use  and  for  the  support  of  the  Episco- 
pal Churches  in  the  said  State  of  Vermont. 

Secondly ;  The  Society  to  execute  a  power  of  Attorney  to  the 
Trustees  aforesaid,  to  prosecute  and  defend  all  suits,  in  the  name 
of  the  Society,  which  may  be  instituted  relative  to  their  lands. 
The  Trustees  likewise  to  be  authorized  to  make  any  compromise 
with  the  State  of  Vermont,  or  any  individuals  respecting  the 
same.  And  if  any  compromise  should  be  deemed  necessary,  and 
it  should  be  thought  requisite  to  relinquish  any  part  of  the  lands 
to  the  State,  or  to  any  individuals  who  have  improved  or  possessed 
them,  an  authority  to  be  given  to  the  Trustees  to  release  to  the 
State,  or  to  individuals  all  the  Society's  title  to  such  part  as  shall 
be  thus  relinquished  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  an  indisputable 
title  to  the  residue.  The  Trustees  likewise  to  be  authorized  to 
sell  absolutely  such  part  of  the  lands  as  may  be  necessary  to 
defray  the  expenses  of  suits,  etc.  unless  the  Society  should  devise 
some  other  mode  of  defraying  the  expenses.  In  case  the  former 
mode  should  be  adopted,  the  Trustees  to  indemnify  the  Society 
against  any  cost,  charge,  or  expense  which  may  arise,  either  by 
prosecuting  or  defending  suits,  or  by  their  services  ia  the  premises. 

JOHN  A.  GRAHAM,  Agent. 

To  Dk.  Morice,  Secretary  to  the  S.  P.  G.  F.  P." 

Rural  Magazine,  vol.  ii,  p.  19,  20,  ( 1796). 

Answer  of  Dr.  Morice  to  the  foregoing  letter  : 

"  GowER  Street,  No.  53,  Feb.  21,  1795. 
Sir  : — I  did  not  fail  to  communicate  to  the  Society  at  their  Anni- 
versary yesterday,  the  application  you  left  with  me  in  writing,  for 
their  relinquishing  all  their  right  and  title  which  they  may  have 
to  certain  lands  in  Vermont.    But  as  there  was  much  other  neces- 


FA  CTS  AKB  D  0  CUMEKTS-1794.  25 

sary  business,  which  took  up  their  whole  time,  the  discussion  of 
that  business  was  postponed  to  their  next  Meeting  in  March. 
I  am,  Sir,  your  respectful,  humble  servant, 

WILLIAM  MORICE,  Secretary." 
Eural  Magazine,  vol.  ii,  p.  20. 

"  Dr.  Morice's  compliments  to  Col.  Graham,  and  acquaints  him 
that  he  laid  his  papers  before  the  Society  at  their  meeting  on  Fri- 
day last,  and  that  the  Resolution  of  the  Society  was,  not  to  com- 
ply with  the  proposals  respecting  the  lands  in,  Vermont. 

GowER  Street,  March  23,  1795." 
Rural  Magazine,  vol.  ii,  p.  20. 

Much  obscurity  rests  on  many  points  relative  to  the  election  of 
the  Rev.  Samuel  Peters,  LL.  D.,  to  the  office  of  Bishop  over  the 
Episcopal  Church  in  Vermont.  At  this  distance  of  time,  owing 
to  the  negligence  of  parties  who  took  part  in  this  transaction,  in 
regard  to  records,  letters  and  other  papers,  it  may  be  found  im- 
possible to  give  a  connected  and  satisfactory  account.  The  Rev, 
A.  B.  Chapin,  D.  D.,in  a  letter  published  in  Spragne's  Annals  of 
the  American  Episcopal  Pulpit,  makes  the  following  statement : 
"After  the  Organization  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
United  States,  and  the  Consecration  of  Bishop  Seabury  in  Scot- 
land, and  three  Bishops  in  England  for  this  country,  the  Episcopa- 
lians in  Vermont  united  with  a  body  of  those  not  previously  of  that 
communion,  and  elected  Dr.  Peters  Bishop  of  that  State."  For  the 
support  of  this  assertion,  Dr.  Chapin  gives  no  reference.  He  may 
have  had  what  he  deemed  authority  for  it.  It  is  a  pity  he  with- 
held it.  After  all,  the  assertion  above  made  may  rest  on  this  pas- 
sage in  the  life  of  Hugh  Peters,  written  by  Samuel  :  "  After  the 
Revolutionary  War,  the  Episcopalians  who  had  settled  in  the 
State  of  Verdmont,  with  the  Presbyterians,  Methodists  and  Puri- 
tans, unanimously  elected  the  Rev.  Samuel  Peters,  LL.  D.,  their 
Bishop,  and  invited  him  to  accept  the  office  and  return  from  Eng- 
land to  his  native  country."     Life  of  Hugh  Peters,  p.  94. 

How  much  of  sober  truth  there  may  be  in  this  sentence,  and  how 
much  of  hyperbole,  one  may  not  now  be  able  to  say.  Very  few  of 
the  present  generation  are  aware  that  there  ever  was  in  Vermont 


26  FACTS  AJS'B  BOCUMEKTS-T79Jf. 

such  a  reign  of  ^eace,  and  that  the  parties  named  above  once 
joined  with  Episcopalians,  especially  in  1794,  in  the  election  of 
the  Rev.  Samuel  Peters,  LL.  D.,  to  be  their  Bishop!  We  wait 
for  light. 

No  copy  of  the  Letter  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Barber  to  Dr.  Peters, 
informing  him  of  his  election,  is  known  to  exist.  The  general 
tenor  and  purport  of  it,  however,  may  be  gathered  from  the  fol- 
lowing reply  to  it  by  Dr.  Peters,  accepting  the  office  to  which  he 
had  been  elected.  The  other  letter  alluded  to  below  seems  to 
have  been  complimentary. 

"  No.  22,  York  Street,  Westminster, 

July  17,  1794. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Brother: 

The  5th  day  of  July  current  I  had  the  honor  of  receiving 
your  polite,  communicative,  and  friendly  letter,  dated  Manchester 
in  the  State  of  Vermont,  the  27th  of  last  February. 

At  present  I  can  only  thank  you  for  the  communications  re- 
specting the  prospects  you  have  in  the  State  of  Vermont  of  seeing 
an  increase  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  ;  and  that,  to 
promote  it,  the  Convention  had  pretty  unanimously  chosen  me  to 
be  their  Bishop. 

This  event  ( though  unexpected  to  me)  I  view  as  the  work  of 
God,  and  could  have  no  objection  to  go  over  and  spend  ray  remain- 
ing days  amongst  my  friends  in  my  native  country,  to  build  up 
the  Church  of  Christ,  for  which  I  have  laboured  and  suffered  all 
my  life,  but  the  fear  of  the  want  of  unanimity  in  the  Church, 
which  naturally  leads  to  schism  ;  and  from  my  imperfections  and 
insufficiency  to  fill  the  Episcopal  Chair  in  a  State  famed  for  wis- 
dom and  learned  men. 

However,  depending  on  God,  the  wisdom  of  the  wise,  the  char- 
ity and  prayers  of  all,  I  have  determined  to  accept  your  election, 
as  the  call  of  Jesus  Christ  the  Lord.  To  this  purpose  I  have 
written  my  letter,  addressed  to  all  the  Churches  in  Vermont,  of 
even  date  with  this,  which  you,  as  Secretary  of  the  Convention, 
will  have  the  goodness  to  communicate  to  that  Venerable  Body 
first,  and  they  to  the  Churches  spread  over  the  State  of  Vermont, 
in  such  manner  as  you  and  they  shall  judge  to  be  most  proper. 

I  must  now  inform  you  that  I  cannot  go  over  to  you,  nor  have 


FACTS  AMD  B0CVMEKT8-179Jf  27 

Consecration  here,  untill  the  letter  of  the  Convention  to  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Canterbury  (  en  poJsent,  very  handsome  and  full )  conies 
here  with  the  seal  of  your  State,  or  of  the  Notary  Public,  certify- 
ing the  existence  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Convention  of  Ver- 
mont, and  that  they  have  elected  the  Rev.  Samuel  Peters,  LL.  D. 
to  be  Bishop  of  Vermont,  as  appears  by  the  signatures  of  the 
Committee  of  the  Convention,  together  v^ith  its  President  and  its 
Secretary :  in  testimony  of  which  I  have  hereunto  affixed  the  seal 
of,  etc.,  etc. 

Had  you  thought  of  this  canonical  rule  last  February,  and  sent 
the  seal  fixed  to  either  of  your  letters,  No.  1  or  2,  addressed  to 
the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  I  could  have  seen  you  before  next 
Christmas.  But  now  I  must  be  deprived  of  that  pleasure  untill 
the  winter  shall  be  past ;  at  which  time  I  shall  set  out,  in  hopes 
of  seeing  and  blessing  you  before  I  die. 

The  letter  addressed  to  me  from  the  Committee  of  Convention, 
dated  last  February,  honored  me,  and  secures  my  gratitude  and  re- 
spect. I  wish  that  I  was  better  able  to  support  their  high  esteem 
and  expectations;  but  so  far  as  my  abilities  fall  short,  so  far,  I 
trust,  my  zeal  and  labours  in  my  station  will  exceed  their  hopes, 

Evident  is  the  necessity  of  a  Bishop  resident,  to  set  things  in 
order,  and  to  promote  harmony  in  the  Churches.  And  I  have  no 
doubt  of  receiving  every  respect  due  to  the  sacred  office  or  myself, 
both  in  a  temporal  and  spiritual  manner  :  yet  I  feel  it  to  be  my 
duty  to  tell  you  a  circumstance  possible  to  happen.  As  soon  as  I 
am  consecrated  Bishop  of  Vermont,  a  foreign  State,  my  present 
support  from  this  Government  may  be  witheld  : — Should  this 
event  take  place,  I  shall  have  no  resoui'ce  but  what  shall  arise 
from  the  Churches  in  the  State  of  Vermont  now  in  their  infancy. 
The  fact  is,  I  '  want  but  little  here  below,  nor  want  that  little 
long.'  My  mind  and  merits  claim  no  more;  yet  the  dignity  of 
the  station  which  you  have  given  me,  and  the  primitive  hospital- 
ity belonging  to  the  Episcopal  Chair,  demand  your  and  my  atten- 
tion ;  lest  my  reputation  and  the  fashion  of  religion  dwindle  away 
through  my  poverty  in  the  highest  office  of  Christ's  Church. 

Should  the  English  Bishops  neglect  to  consecrate  me,  because 
you  have  three  Bishops  in  the  States  of  America  already,  conse- 
crated by  the  English  Bishops,  and  plead  the  limitation  of  the 


28  FACTS  AMD  BOCVMEMTS-1794. 

Act  of  Parliament  for  their  neglect,  I  shall  apply  for  consecration 
to  the  College  of  Bishops  in  Scotland  ;  because  your  three  Bishops 
reside  too  remote  from  one  another,  and  from  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont, to  be  convened  by  me. 

I  am,  with  perfect  esteem  and  sincerity,  Eeverend  and  Dear 
Sir,  your  and  the  Convention's  most  honored  and  most  humble 
servant,  SAMUEL  PETERS. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Daniel  Barber,  Secretary  of  the  Convention  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  of  Vermont,  and  Rector  of  Manchester  and 
Pawlet." 

Sprague's  Ann.  of  the  Am.  Ep.  Pulpit,  pp.  196,  197,  198. 

The  letter  following,  alluded  to  in  the  preceding,  was  addressed 
by  Dr.  Peters  to  the  Churches  which  had  elected  him  to  the  office 
of  Bishop. 
"  To  the  Churches  of  Christ  spread  abroad  in  the  State  of  Vermont, 

mercy,  peace,  and  love  he  multiplied : 

Until  I  come,  give  attendance  to  reading,  prayer  and  faith. 
When  present  with  you,  by  the  grace  of  God,  I  will  lead  you 
through  the  wilderness  of  life,  up  to  a  world  that  knows  no  sor- 
row. I  will  guide  you  with  mine  eye,  and  feed  your  lambs  and 
sheep  with  bread  more  durable  than  the  everlasting  hill. 

While  absent  from  you  in  body,  I  am  present  with  you  in 
mind,  thanking  God  always  in  every  prayer  of  mine,  and  making 
request  with  joy  for  your  fellowship  in  the  Gospel  of  His  Son ; 
that  you  may  be  of  good  cheer,  and  overcome  a  world  yielding  no 
content,  the  only  wealth  of  man ;  and  that  you  may  know  to  be 
abased,  and  how  to  abound ;  every  where  and  in  all  things  to  be 
instructed  to  obey  the  laws  of  Christ. 

The  spirit  which  heals  all  our  infirmities,  no  doubt  led  you  to 
glorify  God  in  me,  when  you  appointed  the  least  of  all  saints  to 
fill  the  highest  station  in  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ;  duty  and 
inclination  (with  feeble  blood  flowing  in  my  veins)  inspire  my  soul 
to  seek  and  do  you  good  in  that  sacred  office  to  which  you  have 
invited  me ;  being  confident  that  you  will  receive  me  with  all 
gladness,  and  hold  me  in  reputation  for  the  work  of  Christ,  which 
brought  me  near  to  death,  and  shall  finally  make  you  my  glory 
and  joy. 


FACTS  AJfD  DOCUMEJfTS-1794.  29 

Your  preferring  me  to  my  superiors,  both  in  spiritual  and  liter- 
ary attainments,  honours  me  most  unexpectedly,  and  demands  my 
best  returns  of  gratitude  and  labours  of  love. 

Should  Providence  conduct  me  over  the  dangers  of  the  sea  to 
my  native  shore,  and  give  me  the  blessing  of  seeing  again  my 
long  absent  friends,  I  shall  rejoice  as  Simeon  did  at  his  vision, 
and  with  him  say,  'Lord,  now  let  me  depart  in  peace — for  mine 
eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation.'  Though  I  may  blush  when  you 
discover  my  improvements  not  adequate  to  your  expectations 
and  my  opportunities  in* this  Isle  of  wisdom  and  learnino-. 

Should  my  insufficiency  in  spiritual  and  scientific  knowledge 
appear  too  manifest  among  you,  my  zeal  and  labours  in  the  vine- 
yard of  the  Lord  shall,  I  trust,  be  your  pride  and  boast.  In  this 
hope,  and  resting  on  the  candour,  order,  morality,  learning,  piety 
and  religion  of  those  over  whom  I  am  well  chosen  to  preside  I 
shall,  with  some  degree  of  confidence,  undertake  the  charo-e,  and 
claim  the  wisdom  of  the  wise  to  enlighten  my  understandino-  and 
the  charity  and  prayers  of  all  to  remove  my  wants,  and  to  lessen 
my  manifold  imperfections. 

Whenever  I  come  to  you,  it  will  be  in  the  fulness  of  the  bless- 
ing of  the  Gospel  of  God.  I  beseech  you,  therefore,  Brethren,  for 
Christ's  sake  and  the  love  of  the  Spirit,  that  you  strive  together 
in  your  prayers  to  God  for  me,  that  I  may  come  unto  you  with 
joy,  and  may  with  you  be  refreshed. 

'  Be  ye  wise  unto  that  which  is  good,  and  simple  concerning  evil.' 

The  Churches  of  Christ  salute  you.  Salute  one  another  with 
faith  and  love. 

I  salute  you  all  with  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  under- 
standing; and  in  the  mystery  of  the  everlasting  God  made  known 
for  the  obedience  of  faith. 

'To  God  only  wise,  be  glory  through  Jesus  Christ,  forever. 
Amen-' 

Dearly  beloved  Brethren,  whether  absent  or  present,  believe 
me  to  be,  with  all  sentiments  of  respect  and  fidelity, 
Your  servant  in  Christ, 

SAMUEL  PETERS. 
York  Street,  Westminster,  London,  July  17th,  1794." 
SpragTie's  Ann.  of  Am.  Ep.  Pulpit,  pp.  198,  199. 


30  FA  OTS  A.YD  D  0  CUMEJ{TS-1794. 

The  following  documents  respect  the  effort   which  was  made 
to  secure  the  Consecration  of  Dr.  Peters  in  England. 
"To  the  Most  Reverend  Father  in  God,  John,  Lord  Arch-Bishop 
of  Canterbury,  and  Metropolitan  of  all  England ; 

May  it  please  your  Grace, — 
The  Convention  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont have  elected  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Peters  of  London,  to  the 
ofidce  of  Bishop,  and  hereby  request  that  he  may  be  commissioned 
and  duly  authorized  to  discharge  all  the  duties  of  that  sacred 
function  among  us. 

When  we  consider  the  dignity  of  the  station  and  its  important 
uses,  we  are  deeply  impressed  with  the  nature  of  the  business. 
We  have  now  undertaken  to  add  another  to  the  Apostolic  Order. 
In  this  election,  we  have  sought  a  gentleman,  whom  we  view  as 
worthy  of  the  place,  in  whose  piety,  learning  and  abilities  we  do 
confide,  and  have  endeavored  to  conduct  his  election  with  all  that 
prudence,  caution  and  candour,  which  become  us. 

The  benevolent  provision  made  by  Act  of  Parliament  for  fur- 
nishino-  the  States  with  the  succession  of  the  Apostolic  Urder,  and 
the  indul'Tent  attention  of  the  Arch- Bishops  and  Bishops,  in  con- 
sequence, to  the  appointments  already  made  by  the  Conventions 
of  the  Churches  in  the  other  States,  leads  us  to  hope  for  a  contin- 
uance of  their  goodness. 

As  much  loss  of  time  may  be  prevented,  if  Dr.  Peters  receives 
Consecration  in  England,  we  hope  to  be  indulged  in  this  request, 
which  will  be  the  more  acceptable  to  us,  as  it  will  afford  us  an 
opportunity  of  expressing  our  affectionate  attachment  to  the 
Church  Clergy  of  England,  and  enjoying  an  additional  instance  of 
their  continued  attachment  and  regard  to  the  prosperity  of  the 
Church  in  these  States,  which  descended  from  England,  and  by 
her  long  continued  cares  has  been  cherished  to  respectability. 

We  are  with  all  due  veneration,  Your  Grace's  most  devoted 
and  obedient  servants. 

(Signed)  Eleazer  Baldwin,  Pres.  by  order  of  the  Convention. 

(Singed)  Daniel  Barber,  Secretary. 
Dated  at  Rutland,  Oct.  15th,  1794. 

(Signed)  James  Nichols,  Bethuel  Chittenden,  John  C.  Ogden, 
Ebenezer  Marvin,  Truman  Squier,"  Committee. 


FA  CTS  AJfD  D  OCUMEXTS-1794.  31 

"A  trae  Copy  of  the  doings  of  the  Convention  holden  at  Man- 
chester, February  the  27th  day,  A.  D.  1794. 

Attest:  DAXIEL  BARBER,  Secretary." 
Rural  Mag.  vol.  ii,  pp.  72,  73. 

"To  the  Most  Reverend  Father  in  God,  John,  Lord  Arch- 
Bishop  of  Canterbury,  and  Metropolitan  of  all  England, 

May  it  please  your  Grace, 

We  are  informed  our  former  Credentials,  praying  for  the  Con- 
secration of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Peters  to  the  office  of  Bishop, 
had  the  misfortune  to  miscarry  going  to  London.  We  trust  and 
hope  this  will  be  our  apology  for  troubling  your  Grace  with  the 
copies  of  what  was  formerly  recommended  and  forwarded. 

The  Hon.  John  Graham  will  wait  on  your  Grace,  with  these 
papers,  by  the  leave  of  Providence.  We  beg  leave  to  inform 
your  Grace  that  Col.  Graham  is  a  gentleman  of  respect  in  the 
States  and  whose  friendship  is  of  importance  to  the  Church.  We 
are,  may  it  please  your  Grace,  Your  Grace's  most  devoted,  humble 
servants. 

JAMES  NICHOLS,  DANIEL  BARBER, 

EBENEZER  MARVIN,     TRUMAN  SQUIER. 

Rutland,  Oct.  14th,  1794." 

[seal.]  "By  his  Excellency,  Thomas  Chittenden,  Esq.,  Gov- 
ernor, Captain  General,  and  Commander  in  Chief  in  and  over  the 
State  of  Vermont — 

To  all  who  shall  see  these. 

Greeting : 
Know  ye  that  Eleazer  Baldwin,  who  has  signed  the  within  rec- 
ord, is  president  of  the  Convention  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
State  of  Vermont,  and  that  Daniel  Barber  is  Secretary,  and  that 
James  Nichols,  Bethuel  Chittenden,  John  C.  Ogden  and  Russell 
Catlin  are  clerks,  and  Ebenezer  Marvin  and  Truman  Squier,  gen- 
tlemen and  laymen,  are  a  Standing-Committee  of  the  said  Church. 
In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  caused  the  seal  of  the 
State  to  be  affixed  in  council,  at  the  council  chamber  at  Rutland, 
this  14th  day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 


32  FA  CTS  AKD  BOCTJMEJfTS-1794. 

seven  hundred  and  ninety  four,  and  in  the  nineteenth  year  of  the 
independence  of  this  and  the  United  States  of  America. 

THOMAS  CHITTENDEN. 
By  the  Governor. 

Joseph  Fay,  Secretary." 

Rural  Mag.  vol.  ii,  p.  73. 

Soon  after  his  arrival  in  England  Col.  Graham  had  the  follow- 
ing correspondence  with  the  Arch-Bishop  of  Canterbury  with  ref- 
erence to  the  Consecration  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Peters.  As  it  forms  a 
part  of  the  early  history  of  the  Church  in  Vermont,  is  very  seldom 
met  with  and  is  referred  to  in  the  action  of  the  Special  Conven- 
tion held  at  Rutland  Nov.  13th,  1795,  it  is  here  inserted. 

"No.  340,  Strand,  Feb.  14,  1795. 
My  Lord  : 

Having  arrived  in  London,  as  Agent  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont,  in  America,  I  am  requested 
to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Peters,  Bishop  elect  of  Vermont, 
for  his  Consecration  by  the  Arch-Bishop  of  Canterbury  and  other 
Bishops  in  England. 

I  therefore  take  the  earliest  opportunity  to  acquaint  your  Grace 
of  my  arrival,  and  pray  your  Grace  to  appoint  a  time,  when  I 
shall  have  the  honor  to  lay  before  your  Grace,  the  documents  and 
papers  to  me  intrusted  for  that  purpose. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  every  sentiment  of  respect.  My 
Lord,  your  Grace's  most  obedient  and  most  humble  servant. 

JOHN  A.  GRAHAM,  Agent. 

His  Grace,  the  Lord  Arch-Bishop  of  Canterbury." 
Rural  Magazine,  vol.  ii,  p.  74. 

"  No.  340,  Strand,  Feb.  14,  1795. 
My  Lord: 

I  had  the  honor  to  write  you  on  the  14th  inst.,  respectiiig 
some  part  of  the  business  of  my  mission  from  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont,  in  America,  praying 
your  Lordship  to  appoint  a  time,  when  I  should  have  the  honor 
to  lay  before  you  the  documents  and  papers  entrusted  to  my 
charge,  for  the  Consecration  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Peters, 
Bishop  elect  for  that  State. 


FA  CTS  AXD  D  0  CUME:N'TS-1794.  33 

I  humbly  implore  your  Lordship's  pardon  for  addressing  you 
the  second  time  so  soon  on  the  subject.  As  I  was  requested  to 
lay  them  before  your  Grace  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  and  not 
having  the  honor  to  hear  from  your  Grace,  conscience  to  the  trust 
in  me  reposed  by  the  Church,  bids  me  solicit  your  Grace  again  in 
the  premises. 

The  necessity  of  my  business  urges  me  to  leave  London  for 
America  by  the  1st  of  April. 

Knowing  the  honor  that  will  redound  to  our  infant  State  and 
Church,  in  having  Dr.  Peters  consecrated  by  your  Grace  and  the 
Lord  Bishops  of  England  in  preference  to  any  other  part  of  the 
world,  the  Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont  hope  and  pray  that 
your  Grace  will  gratify  them  in  their  desire ;  and  as  in  duty 
bound  will  ever  pray. 

JOHN  A.  GRAHAM,  Agent. 

His  Grace,  the  Lord  Arch-Bishop  of  Canterbury." 
Rural  Magazine,  vol.  ii,  p.  74. 

"Lambeth  Palace,  Feb.  24,  1795. 
Sir: 

I  have  been  favored  with  your  letters  of  the  14th  and  23d 
inst.,  and  am  sorry  I  have  not  been  sooner  able  to  name  a  time 
for  tlie  interview  which  you  do  me  the  honor  to  desire.  I  can 
now  reserve  the  hour  between  11  and  12,  on  Thursday  next  for 
that  purpose,  and  shall  be  glad  of  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  any 
part  of  it  that  may  best  suit  your  convenience. 

I  am,  Sir,  your  most  obt.  humble  Servant. 

J.  CANTUAR. 
Col.  J.  Graham." 

Rural  Magazine,  vol.  ii,  p.  74. 

"Feb.  26th,  1795. 

The  undersigned  Agent  according  to  the  appointment  of  his 
Grace,  the  Lord  Arch-Bishop  of  Canterbury,  this  day  waited  upon 
his  Lordship  at  Lambeth  Palace,  on  the  business  of  the  Conse- 
cration of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Peters,  the  Bishop  elect  of  Vermont,  when 
the  business  was  opened. 

His  Grace  first  objected,  because  the  Act  of  Parliament,  passed 
in  January,  1786,  was  limited  to  a  College,  that  is,  three  Bishops 


34  FACTS  AKB  BOCVMENTS.-1794^ 

for  the  United  States  of  America ;  aud  his  Grace  having  already- 
consecrated  three  Bishops, — one  for  New  York,  one  for  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  one  for  Virginia,  the  Act  had  been  fulfilled.  The 
Agent  desired  to  know  by  what  rule  of  construction  said  Act 
could  be  considered  as  a  limited  Act  to  numbers  and  countries. 

His  Grace  replied  that  he  had  left  the  Act  thus  open,  lest  one 
of  the  three  Bishops  to  be  consecrated  for  the  States  of  America 
should  die  before  they  could  meet  to  consecrate  a  fourth. 

The  Agent  then  wished  to  know  why  words  in  the  Act  of  Par- 
liament should  not  be  considered  as  the  only  meaning  thereof. 

His  Grace  replied  that  he  had  himself  brought  the  Bill  into  the 
House  of  Lords,  and  had  moved  to  have  it  passed  into  a  Law ; 
and  the  Earl  of  Effingham  demanded  to  be  informed  of  the  design 
of  the  Bill ;  whereupon  he  ( meaning  his  Grace,  the  Lord  Arch- 
Bishop  of  Canterbury,)  explained  it  thus :  "The  design  of  the  Bill 
is  to  enable  the  English  Bishops  to  consecrate  a  College  of 
Bishops  for  the  United  States  of  America."  The  Bill  then 
passed  into  an  Act  without  noticing  the  explanation  of  it  by  his 
Grace,  and  that  his  explanation  of  the  Act  was  the  only  meaning 
of  it ;  and  if  he  should  consecrate  a  fourth  Bishop  for  the  States 
of  America,  he  must  contradict  his  own  explanation,  and  might 
be  called  on  to  consecrate  a  fifth,  sixth,  seventh  and  so  on,  ai 
infinitum^  and  the  English  Bishops  would  never  be  free  from  the 
trouhU  of  consecrating  Bishops  for  the  States  of  America. 

The  Agent  then  begged  his  Lordship's  indulgence  and  said,  in 
his  opinion  as  a  Lawyer,  the  Act  was  indefinite  as  to  numbers 
and  countries,  and  that  the  explanation  of  the  Bill  in  the  House 
of  Lords,  made  no  part  of  the  Act. 

His  Grace  replied  that  no  Lawyer  could  understand  the  spirit 
and  meaning  of  the  Act,  and  that  he  alone  was  capable  of  explain- 
ing its  real  meaning. 

The  Agent  then  said,  your  Grace's  successors  in  office  will  be 
bound  by  the  Act  itself,  without  any  reference  to  your  Lordship's 
verbal  explanation,  unless  they  should  have  the  spirit  of  Daniel 
to  divine  and  develope  the  secret  meaning. 

His  Grace  then  assigned  a  second  reason,  to  wit; — a  Canon 
made  at  Philadelphia  by  a  Convention  of  Episcopalians  of  sundry 
States,  in  words  to  this  effect:  "The  Bishops  of  this  Convention 


y 


FA  CTS  AND  D  0  CUME:NTS-1794.  35 

shall  not  consecrate  any  Bishop,  unless  the  person  consecrated 
has  resided  and  officiated  as  a  clergyman  in  one  of  the  States, 
three  years  prior  to  his  being  consecrated."  His  Grace  said  he 
could  not  consecrate  the  Bishop  elect  of  Vermont,  who  had  resided 
the  last  twenty  years  in  England,  without  violating  said  Canon. 

The  Agent  replied — My  Lord,  your  Grace  doth  not  belong  to 
that  Convention,  nor  doth  the  Church  in  Vermont  belong  to  it ; 
and  though  Dr.  Peters  hath  resided  the  last  twenty  years  in 
England,  yet  he  has  resided  and  officiated  as  a  Clergyman  about 
fourteen  years  in  Connecticut ;  therefore  the  Canon  cannot  mili- 
tate against  his  being  consecrated,  as  the  Canon  requires  only 
three  years  residence  prior  to  his  consecration,  and  not  the  three 
last  years  previous  to  his  consecration. 

His  Grace  next  objected  and  said,  "if  I  should  consecrate  a 
fourth  Bishop  for  the  States  of  America,  I  should  invade  the 
rights  and  offend  the  College  of  Bishops  of  America." 

The  Agent  replied  that  the  three  Bishops  viz.  Dr.  Provoost, 
Dr.  White,  and  Dr.  Madison  are  Bishops  in  their  respective 
Dioceses;  but  not  Bishops  of  America  or  United  States;  nor 
has  there  been  a  Bishop  of  the  United  States  since  the  indepen- 
dence of  America.  The  said  three  Bishops  in  the  three  States, 
My  Lord,  are  not  like  an  Arch-Bishop  of  Canterbury,  whose 
power  pervades  all  countries  in  his  Majesty's  dominions ;  but  the 
ubiquity  of  all  other  Bishops  is  confined  to  their  respective  Dio- 
ceses. Therefore,  as  the  said  three  Bishops  in  America  are 
located  in  three  States  and  the  fifteen  States  have  no  Arch-Bishop, 
the  Church  of  Vermont  is  no  more  subject  to  said  three  Bishops 
than  to  the  Bishops  of  England  and  Ireland;  and  in  fact  the 
Church  of  Vermont  have  no  legal  claim  on  the  three  Bishops,  in 
the  three  States  of  America,  while  they  hold  a  right  to  the  bene- 
dictions of  the  English  Bishops  by  a  gracious  Act  of.  Parliament, 
passed  January,  1786.  These  things  being  considered,  My  Lord, 
how  is  it  possible  for  the  said  three  American  Bishops  to  be 
offended  with  the  English  Bishops  for  consecrating  a  Bishop  for 
Vermont  ?  Since  it  is  true  that  the  American  Bishops  have  no 
legal  rights  in  Vermont,  therefore  their  rights  in  or  to  Vermont 
cannot  be  invaded  by  the  English  or  any  other  Bishops.  Also, 
My  Lord,  the  three  American  Bishops,  who  live  very  remote  from 


36  FA  CTS  AKB  D  0  CUMEJfTS-1794. 

each  other  and  from  Vermont,  ought  to  be  very  thankful  to  the 
English  Bishops  for  consecrating  the  Bishop  elect  of  Vermont,  as 
it  would  prevent  them  the  trouble  and  expense  of  travelling  above 
1200  miles  to  form  a  temporary  College  to  consecrate  the  Bishop 
elect  of  Vermont.  Furthermore,  My  Lord,  there  is  no  existing 
law  in  the  United  States  of  America,  either  in  Church  or  State, 
that  can  oblige  the  aforesaid  three  Bishops  to  meet  to  consecrate 
a  Bishop  for  Vermont. 

His  Grace  replied  that  those  inconveniences  were  not  to  be 
imputed  to  him,  or  to  the  English  Bishops. 

The  undersigned  Agent  suspected  that  his  Grace  had  some 
latent  reasons,  which  kept  him  from  consecrating  the  Bishop  elect. 
He  therefore  requested  his  Grace  to  inform  him,  if  his  Grace  had 
anything  to  object  to  the  character  of  Dr.  Peters,  the  Bishop 
elect  of  Vermont,  that  caused  him  to  be  unwilling  to  consecrate 
him. 

His  Grace  readily  answered,  no,  by  no  means.  His  character 
is  unexceptionable.  His  Grace  then  asked  the  undersigned  Agent, 
why  application  was  made  to  him  to  consecrate  a  fourth  Bishop 
for  the  American  States,  since  he  ( his  Grace)  had  committed 
himself  in  the  House  of  Lords,  by  an  explanation  of  the  design 
of  the  Act  ? 

The  undersigned  Agent  answered,  he  made  application  to  his 
Grace,  because  his  Grace  was  Metropolitan  of  all  England,  and 
before  this  hour  he  never  heard  of  said  explanation. 

JOHN  A.  GRAHAM,  Agent 

For  the  Church  of  Vermont." 
Eural  Magazine,  vol.  ii,  pp.  74,  75,  76. 

»  No.  340,  Strand,  May  11th,  1795. 
My  Lord  :  . 

I  had  the  honor  of  addressing  your  Grace  on  the  28th  day  of 
April,  praying  for  such  an  answer  as  might  justify  me  as  Agent 
before  the  Convention  of  the  Episcopal  Church  of  Vermont,  and 
the  Governor  thereof,  respecting  the  Consecration  of  their  Bishop 
elect — a  favor  solicited  on  the  principles  of  religion,  order  and 
policy,  as  it  relates  to  the  divine  right  of  Episcopacy,  and  the 
prosperity  of  the  Church  of  England  in  Vermont,  admissible  by 


FA  CTS  AJfD  D  OCVMEKTS-1794.  37 

the  Act  of  Parliament  of  1786,  and  resting  entirely  on  your  Grace's 
discretion  and  benevolence.  The  necessities  of  the  Church  in 
Vermont  and  my  family  concerns  require  my  speedy  return  to 
America.  I,  therefore,  hope  your  Grace  will  soon  find  leisure  to 
give  me  such  an  answer,  as  will  naturally  tend  to  keep  up  the 
present  harmony  of  the  Church  in  Vermont,  and  prevent  that  dis- 
cord inevitable  and  ruinous  to  canonical  Episcopacy  in  that  State, 
should  the  Convention  be  defeated  in  their  present  application  to 
your  Grace,  and  the  cause  thereof  be  made  public. 

I  see  myself  to  be  in  an  unpleasant  situation  on  my  return,  un- 
less I  should  be  able  to  assign  satisfactory  reasons  for  not  succeed- 
ing in  my  embassy  from  the  Convention  to'  your  Grace.  The 
Convention  of  Vermont  want  not  to  be  told  that  the  English 
Bishops  are  not  obliged  to  consecrate  their  Bishop  elect,  or  that 
the  three  Bishops  of  the  three  States  in  America  may  or  may  not 
meet  to  consecrate  him. 

It  will  be  sufficient,  as  I  believe,  to  convince  the  majority  of  the 
Convention,  that  the  Divine  right  of  Protestant  Episcopacy  is  not 
deemed  necessary  in  the  Church  of  Vermont,  when  they  shall  be 
told  that  the  English  Bishops  have  refused  to  consecrate  their 
Bishop  elect,  under  an  Act  of  Parliament,  made  for  that  pious  and 
benevolent  purpose.  I  augur  the  consequences  will  be  that  the 
Deistical  and  Philosophic  part  of  Americans  will  publish  compari- 
sons between  the  conduct  of  the  English  Bishops  and  those  of  the 
Greek  and  Latin  Churches,  as  well  as  those  of  the  Coetus  of  Hol- 
land, the  Kirk  of  Scotland,  and  the  Superintendents  of  the  Lu- 
therans in  Germany,  who  annually  send  laborers  into  the  vineyard 
of  America  to  promote  what  they  deem  to  be  the  glory  of  the 
Church  of  Christ. 

My  Lord,  did  I  not  believe  in  the  Divine  right  of  Episcopacy 
as  well  as  in  Christianity,  I  should  not  have  become  an  Agent  of 
a  very  respectable  Convention  of  a  respectable  State ;  but  would 
have  advised  the  Convention  to  have  elected  some  person  to  be 
their  Bishop,  and  then  have  petitioned  their  Sovereign  Magistrate 
to  consecrate  him  as  Moses  did  Aaron. 

Should  your  Grace  refuse  to  consecrate  the  present  Bishop  elect 
of  Vermont,  he  has  resolved  not  to  go  out  with  me.  Consequent- 
ly, on  my  return,  the  Convention  most  likely  will  elect  another 


38  FA  CTS  AKB  D  0  CUMEJ^TS-1794. 

person,  who  will  be  content  with  a  consecration  performed  by  the 
Governor,  and  not  trouble  themselves  with  the  three  Bishops 
widely  spread  in  America,  or  elsewhere,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
publish  to  the  uwrld  their  reasons  for  so  doing.  With  a  view  to 
prevent  Schism  and  such  evils,  I  came  to  England. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be.  My  Lord,  your  Grace's  most  obedient 
and  most  humble  servant, 

JOHN  A.  GRAHAM, 
Agent  of  the  Episcopal  Convention  of  Vermont. 
His  Grace,  the  Lord  Arch-Bishop  of  Canterbury." 

"  Canterbury,  .Time  17,  1795. 

Sir,  Having  frequently  stated  to  you  in  the  fullest  and  most 
explicit  manner,  and  once  particularly  in  the  presence  of  the  Rev. 
S.  Peters,  the  grounds  and  reasons  which  induced  me  to  decline 
taking  any  steps  to  obtain  his  Majesty's  licence  for  the  consecra- 
tion of  a  Bishop  for  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Vermont, 
I  hoped  there  would  be  no  call  upon  me  to  repeat  them,  but  that 
your  representations  of  those  statements  would  be  all-sufficient  to 
exculpate  you  to  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of 
Vermont,  who  have  elected  that  Gentleman  their  Bishop,  and  to 
his  Excellency,  Governor  Chittenden,  who  united  with  their  Con- 
vention in  recommending  him  for  consecration  in  England. 

I  cannot,  however,  refuse  your  request  to  me,  to  state  in  writing 
the  grounds  on  which  my  conduct  in  this  business  is  founded. 

I  beg  leave  to  observe,  then,  that  the  statement  which  I  made 
to  you,  was  founded  on  a  perfect  recollection  that  the  spirit  and 
intention  of  the  Act  of  Parliament  which  enabled  the  English 
Arch-Bishops  and  Bishops  to  consecrate  Bishops  for  America,  with 
the  King's  licence,  extends  only  to  such  a  number,  as  might,  on 
their  return  to  that  country,  consecrate  a  sufficient  supply  to  keep 
up  a  succession  in  their  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  there.  His 
Majesty  clearly  understood  this  to  be  the  sole  object  of  the  Bill 
presented  to  Parliament.  The  Arch-Bishops  and  Bishops  under- 
stood it  precisely  in  the  same  way ;  and  that  such  was  the  inten- 
tion and  purport  of  it,  and  no  more,  I  myself  stated  in  the  House 
of  Lords,  when  I  was  called  on  by  the  Earl  of  Effingham  and  oth- 


FACTS  J.J{D  DOCUMEJfTS-1794.  39 

ers  to  explain  "  what  occasion  there  was  for  such  a  Bill,  and  to 
what  number  of  Bishops  our  consecration  was  meant  to  extend." 

I  must  add  further  that  on  the  4th  of  July,  1786,  I  wrote  from 
Canterbury  to  the  Committee  of  the  General  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  America,  sending  a  Copy  of  the 
Act,  and  stating  that  we  understood  it  as  above  explained.  You 
will  find  my  letter  in  the  printed  Journal,  which  I  sent  you  before 
I  left  London,  of  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
holden  at  Wilmington,  October  10th  and  11th,  1786.  To  the  same 
Journal  I  must  refer  you  for  another  letter  sent  by  me  and  the 
Arch-Bishop  of  York,  to  the  Convention,  stating  the  solemn  testi- 
monies we  should  require  respecting  the  literary,  moral  and  relig- 
ious characters  of  the  persons  sent  to  us  for  consecration.  You 
will  allow  me  to  recommend  to  your  particular  attention  the  very 
solemn  forms  of  testimonials,  which  accompanied  our  letter,  and 
which  we  insisted  upon  as  essential  to  us  in  point  of  conscience, 
before  we  could  proceed  to  consecrate  any  person  sent  to  us  for 
consecration,  from  that  distant  country. 

So  much  for  the  general  question  respecting  the  number  of 
Bishops  intended  by  the  Act  to  be  consecrated  here  for  the  States 
of  America,  on  which  the  Arch-Bishops  and  Bishops  entirely  con- 
cur in  opinion.  But  were  the  case  otherwise — were  they  all  of 
opinion  that  any  greater  number  might  be  consecrated  by  that 
Act,  Mr,  Peters  could  not  receive  consecration  from  us,  since  we 
could  have  no  such  testimony,  relative  to  him  from  Vermont 
(where  for  the  last  20  years  he  has  never  resided),  as  we  always 
have  insisted  upon,  previous  to  that  solemn  act  on  our  part.  Nor 
could  the  want  of  that  testimony  be  supplied  in  England,  where 
he  has  lived  all  that  time,  without  the  exercise  of  any  ecclesias- 
tical function,  within  the  cognizance  or  jurisdiction  of  any  of  our 
Bishops. 

J.  CANTUAR. 

CoL.'  J.  Graham." 

Rural  Magazine,  vol.  ii,  pp.  117,  118,  119. 

The  following  letters  of  Dr.  Peters,  alluded  to  in  the  preceding 
pages,  have  never  been  published.  They  were  kindly  given  by 
Madam  Squier,  of  whom  mention  has  been  made.     The  first  is 


40  FACTS  AMD  DOCUMEMTS-1794. 

short,  and  about  one  half  of  it  has  been  so  eaten  by  mice  that  it 
cannot  be  read.     The  date  and  signature  remain  legible. 

"London,  Feb.  11th,  1796. 
My  Dear  Sir  : 

I  have  inclosed  a  few  lines  in  reply  to  your  favours,  as  gen- 
eral hints.  I  must  add  that  Gen'l  Allen  is  here  in  good  spirits 
and  appears  to  be  much  the  gentleman.  I  beg  you  will  make  an 
apology  to  Col.  Lyon,  Gen'l  Cogswell,  Mr.  Nichols  and  Gov'r 
Chittenden  for  my  not  giving  them  answers  to  their  kind  and 
polite  letters  at  the  time.  As  to  the  Answer  of  the  three  Georgite 
Bishops  to  your  Bequest,  whether  they  will  consecrate  your 
Bishop  elect  ? — when  and  where  ? — I  am  not  much  interested,  nor 
is  the  Church  of  God ;  as  they  are  limited  to  the  States  of  New 
York,  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  where  the  yellow  fever  has 
taken  up  its  residence,  by  the  Act  of  Parliament  on  which  their 
Consecration  depended,  and  by  their  own  Subscriptions  at  Lam- 
beth, and  by  their  Royal  Warrant.         ***** 

***  ******* 

I  am,  dear  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 

SAMUEL  PETERS. 
Trdman  Squier,  Esq'r 
Manchester,  Verdmont." 

"London,  Feb.  11th,  1796. 
Truman  Squier,  Esq., — 

My  Dear  Sir  : 
The  8th  of  January  '96,  Col.  Graham  delivered  your  Favours 
of  November  14th  and  18th,  '95,  which  greatly  flattered  my  van- 
ity and  future  prospects  in  Verdmont ;  though  a  Letter,  said  to 
have  come  from  a  Dissenting  Minister  of  that  State,  has  been 
published  here  purporting,  "that  there  are  no  Episcopal  Churches 
in  the  State,  but  a  few  Church  People,  and  only  two  or  three 
strolling  Ministers,  who  cannot  get  a  decent  support,  and  yet 
these  People  have  elected  a  Bishop,  who  must  support  himself  or 
starve  with  his  Priests,  if  he  should  find  one  on  his  arrival." 
This  account  has  caused  much  conversation  here ;  and  since  the 
State  have  sequestered  those  Lands,  formerly  under  the  Guard- 


FACTS  AJ{D  DOCUMEJ^TS-1794.  41 

ianship  of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  to  other 
purposes  than  that  of  supporting  Episcopacy  in  that  State  ;  where 
report  says,  the  Deists  and  various  kinds  of  Dissenters  compose 
eight  tenths  of  its  inhabitants,  its  wealth,  and  power.  Many 
people  here  believe  me  to  be  mad,  if  I  should  further  think  of 
trying  to  build  up  a  prelatic  Church  in  the  howling  wilderness. 

I  find  myself  disappointed  by  the  Decree  of  your  General  As- 
sembly, No  one  here  thought  they  would  have  done  more  than 
cut  off  the  claim  of  Patronage  held  up  by  our  Propagation  Society. 

I  have  only  to  consider  now,  what  mode  is,  or  can  be  taken 
for  the  support  of  a  Bishop  in  Verdmont,  since  they  cannot,  or 
do  not  support  their  Priests.  Mr.  Barber  said  in  his  Letter,  "that 
the  only  difficulty  w?th  the  Convention  and  Church  of  Verdmont, 
was  how  to  support  a  Bishop;"  and  you  say,  ''I  hope  you  will  in 
no  respect  be  disappointed  and  am  fearful  it  will  be  out  of  our 
power  to  sufficiently  to  reward  you  for  your  good  offices.  However 
the  Churches  in  Verdmont  will,  I  am  persuaded,  be  willing  to 
reward  you  as  far  as  their  abilities  will  permit."  "The  Conven- 
tion and  Church  hope  you  will  not  doubt,  their  doing  all  in  their 
Power  for  your  honour  and  dignity  agreeable  to  the  fashion  of 
this  country,  if  you  come  among  us." 

I  never  could  entertain  any  doubt  of  the  Convention  who 
have  acted  so  honorable  towards  me  whilst  I  was  absent  and 
in  a  foreign  country,  as  to  invite  me  home  after  twenty  years' 
banishment,  for  acting  according  to  ray  Conscience  and  Oath; 
but  who  are  the  Churches  in  Verdmont  ? 

Mr.  Ogden  and  Mr.  Barber  have  been  expelled  Verdmont  by 
Starvation.  Bishop  Seabury  has  been  deserted  in  point  of  sup- 
port, by  the  Churches  in  Connecticut  and  the  three  Georgite 
Bishops  have  no  support,  but  from  their  respective  Congregations, 
[and]  complain  of  their  miserable  situation. 

I  have  lived  1.5  years  in  Connecticut  without  being  a  burthen 
to  my  hearers,  when  I  was  young  and  rich ;  but  now  I  am  old 
and  poor  I  cannot  do  the  like  in  Verdmont.  I  cannot  oversee 
your  Churches  and  visit  them,  and  take  charge  of  a  Parish  at  the 
same  time,  at  my  own  expense,  at  the  certain  loss  of  my  present 
stipend  here,  so  soon  as  I  am  consecrated  Bishop  of  Verdmont, 
whereby  I  become  an  Alien  to  Great  Britain. 


42  FJ.  CTS  AMD  D  OCUMEMTS-179Jf. 

On  my  ai-rival  in  your  State  I  have  neither  house,  land  or 
stipend  to  subsist  me  in  America,  and  when  I  am  there  I  expect 
to  do  the  duties  of  a  faithful  Bishop :  but  to  do  it,  I  must,  so  far 
as  yet  appears,  depend  on  the  Convention,  or  individuals  for  sup- 
port. This  would  be  hai'd  on  them,  and  too  grating  to  my  mind 
to  bear.  If  therefore  no  fixed  provision  can  be  made  for  me  by 
fhe  whole  people,  whom  I  am  to  serve  with  fidelity  and  gratitude, 
I  shall  never  think  of  making  myself  a  burden  on  the  bounty  and 
generosity  of  Convention  and  a  few  individuals,  because  I  mean 
to  labour  for  the  public.  I  expect  to  live  according  to  your 
fashion,  and  not  according  to  the  extravagant  fashion  of  Euro- 
pean Bishops,  who  bind  not  up  him  that  is  lame,  look  not  after 
him  that  is  lost,  nor  correct  those  who  have  wandered,  yet  eat 
of  their  milk  and  are  covered  with  their  wool. 

Human  life  is  short,  and  precarious,  but  not  more  so  than 
human  tempers  and  abilities.  A  continual  dropping  of  water  will 
perforate  the  adamant  and  rust  in  a  few  years,  months,  or  days 
will  eat  up  iron.  The  ablest  willing  benefactors  of  me  and  the 
Church  may  soon  be  removed  to  other  States,  or  to  Heaven,  and 
leave  me  to  the  protection  of  the  overseers  of  the  poor.  Here  I 
can  burn  down  the  candle  of  life  into  the  socket,  till  the  Extin- 
guisher caps  the  blaze  with  the  primitive  shade  that  existed 
before  "  Deus  dixit  esto  Lux,  et  fuit  lux,"  without  burthening 
individuals,  or  doing  much  good  to  the  House  of  God  and  the 
offices  thereof,  or  to  myself,  except  that  of  ascending  Jacob's 
Ladder.  Christ  had  not  where  to  lay  His  weary  head.  This  is 
my  case.  John  the  Baptist  was  in  a  wilderness,  but  had  a 
leathern  girdle  about  his  loins  and  his  food  was  locusts  and  wild 
honey.     So  much  I  possess  not  when  in  Verdmont. 

I  have  long  since  overcome  the  world,  and  been  laughing  at 
its  vanity;  yet  I  am  clothed  with  human  nature.  I  seek  but 
little  here  below,  nor  want  it  long. 

My  honour,  dignity  and  delight  all  rest  on  building  up  your 
Prelatical  Church,  not  on  promoting  an  Hierarchy,  or  College  of 
Bishops,  Arch-Bishops,  Patriarchs,  Cardinals,  Popes,  and  Kings — 
a  conclave  of  knaves — the  invention  of  men — the  parents  of 
Feudalism  and  Aristocracy,  which  drove  Christianity  out  of  Asia 
and  Africa,  and  our  Fathers  from  Europe  to  America. 


FA  CTS  AJ^B  D  0  CUMEKTS-1794.  43 

My  dear  Sir,  think  on  these  things,  and  let  me  know  your 
thoughts;  and  then  if  I  have  a  Certainty  of  not  disgracing  you 
and  your  Church  by  my  poverty,  I  will  go  over  and  bless  you 
and  all  denominations  with  that  Peace  of  God  which  shall  unite 
them  in  love  and  joy. 

As  to  ray  Consecration  I  have  no  anxiety  about  it.  St.  Paul 
alone  consecrated  Titus.  One  Bishop  is  sufficient  to  consecrate 
me.  Moses  alone  consecrated  Aaron  High  Priest,  The  Kings 
of  Denmark  and  Sweden  consecrated  their  Bishops;  and,  as  Gov. 
Chittenden  is  Chief  Magistrate  by  voice  of  the  People  to  whom 
God  gave  His  power  to  elect  Saul  and  David,  etc.  etc. — no  doubt 
but  his  Excellency  can  make  High  Priests  and\  Bishops,  as  well 
as  Saul,  David  and  the  Kings  of  Sweden  and  Denmark  and 
England,  over  Verdmont. — Adieu. 

SAMUEL  PETERS." 

"London,  July  20th,  1796. 
My  Dear  Sir, 

On  February  11th,  1796,  I  replied  to  your  favor  of  14th  of 
November,  1795,  delivered  to  lue  by  Col.  Graham  on  January  8, 
1796.  Since  which  time  I  have  been  waiting  to  hear  from  you, 
respecting  the  Determination  of  those  men  whom  you  style,  "The 
American  Bishops,"  but  I  have  waited  in  vain.  Nevertheless,  I 
have  received  a  Letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chittenden,  dated  Jan. 
20th,  1796,  stating  his  Reasons  why  he  opposed  my  election,  and 
why  my  residence  in  Verdmont  will  be  prejudicial  to  the  Church 
and  myself.  The  first  reason  stated  is — Dr.  Bass  was  duly  elected 
by  your  Annual  Convention,  and  had  not  refused  the  terms  offered 
him  before  a  Special  Convention  met  at  Manchester  in  February, 
1794,  composed  only  of  nine  Parishes  out  of  twenty-four ;  and  a 
majority  of  this  junto  elected  Dr.  Peters.  2dly,  Dr.  Peters  acted 
a  part  during  the  American  War  not  approved  by  the  dissenting 
Churches,  nor  by  fifteen  Parishes  out  of  twenty-four  of  the 
Episcopalians.  Of  course,  such  a  character  would  tend  to  harm, 
not  to  build  up  the  Church.  3dly,  that  Dr.  Bass  was  to  reside  at 
Newburyport  four  or  five  years  and  serve  the  Church  of  Verd- 
mont free  of  expense,  till  the  Church  Lands  should  be  improved 
so  as  to  compensate  him  for  his  labours  of  love  during  his  resi- 
dence in  Verdmont. 


44  FACTS  AJ^D  DOCUMEJfTS-1794- 

I  have  replied  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chittenden,  and  beg  leave  to 
refer  you  to  it,  of  even  date  with  this. 

I  find  by  a  printed  journal  of  a  Convention  at  Philadelphia  last 
September,  that  the  application  of  the  Convention  of  Verdmont 
was  taken  into  consideration,  and  the  answer  of  those  men  you 
style,  "the  American  Bishops,"  was,  "that  the  Bishops  of  the 
Philadelphia  Convention  cannot  with  propriety  consecrate  a  Bish- 
op for  any  State  until  said  State  shall  have  acceded  to  the  Juris- 
diction. Doctrine,  and  Discipline  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Statesy 

Whatever  may  be  meant  by  the  Church  of  the  United  States, 
I  find  Congress  have  no  power  to  establish  any  Church,  and  that 
each  State  has  not  established  any  Church.  If  then  there  be  a 
Church  of  the  United  States,  it  must  owe  its  establishment  to  the 
Pope,  or  to  the  Arch-Bishop  of  Canterbury,  or  to  the  Kirk  of 
Scotland,  or  to  those  men  you  style  "the  American  Bishops." 
How  they  came  to  be  "the  American  Bishqps,"  I  have  to  learn; 
because  our  Arch-Bishop  located  Dr.  Provoost,  Dr.  White,  and 
Dr.  Madison,  to  be  Bishops  in  their  respective  States,  viz.,  New 
York,  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  and  such  are  their  Letters  of 
Orders.  By  Avhat  authority,  then,  have  these  three  located 
Bishops  of  three  States  called  their  Churches,  "the  Church  of 
the  United  States,"  and  themselves  a  College  of  Bishops,  with 
Cognizance,  and  Jurisdiction  over  the  Church  in  each  State  ? 

This  claim  is  a  usurpation  by  their  own  confession  and  is 
nugatory  as  a  voice  crying  in  the  wilderness.  Because  the 
Church  of  Verdmont  has  not  acceded  to  their  religious  System 
and  Hierarchy-Jurisdiction,  they  (the  Bishops)  cannot  with  con- 
sistency consecrate  a  Bishop  for  Verdmont,  whose  Church  has 
not  put  herself  under  their  Hierarchal  Power,  or  Collegiate 
Jurisdiction. 

How,  then,  are  they  "the  American  Bishops,"  but  in  the  same 
sense  as  are  the  Pope,  the  Bishops  of  England,  France  and  Spain  ? 

When  the  Church  of  Verdmont  puts  herself  under  the  Juris- 
diction of  the  Convention  of  Philadelphia  she  will  cease  to  be  the 
Episcopal  Church  of  Verdmont  and  become  a  fifteenth  part  of  the 
American  invisible  Church,  subjugated  to  the  American  three  visible 
Bishops,  who  have  subjected  themselves  as  a  College  of  Bishops  in 
America  to  the  Arch-Bishop  of  Canterbury,  in  order  to  establish 


FACTS  AJ{D  DOCUMEJfTS-1794.  45 

an  Aristocracy  in  your  States,  and  an  Hierarchy  in  your  Church, 
and  to  fulfil  the  Dream  of  Nebuchadnezzar,  whose  Image  had 
feet  part  of  iron  and  part  of  clay  and  were  broken  in  pieces  by  a 
Btone  cut  out  of  a  mountain  without  hands  of  men. — Daniel  2d. 
On  the  same  principle  the  Pope  in  602,  and  Mahomet  in  620, 
erfected  their  Hierarchies,  which  placed  Bishops,  Priests  and 
Deacons  under  nine  superior  orders,  not  known  to  Melchizedek, 
to  Aaron,  nor  to  Christ  or  His  Apostles  and  Successors.  Will 
Congress  ever  establish  a  Church  and  connect  it  with  the  Civil 
Government  ?  If  that  should  happen  in  my  native  country,  the 
Stone  will  separate  the  iron  from  the  clay,  as  it  has  done  in 
France,  Italy  and  Germany,  whose  wind  now  shakes  the  Hie- 
rarchy and  Aristocracy  of  all  Europe,  and  promises  to  us  the 
Primitive  Episcopacy  established  by  Jesus,  the  Princeps  Pastorum 
and  Bishop  of  our  souls. 

These  observations  I  have  offered  to  warn  you  and  the  Church 
in  Verdmont  to  stand  fast  in  the  liberty  wherewith  Christ  has 
made  you  free  under  a  Prelacy,  of  a  Bishop,  Priests,  and  Deacons, 
according  to  the  orders  of  Melchizedek,  viz.  the  Protassamen,  the 
Archflamines  and  the  Flamines,  and  the  Jewish  Priesthood,  of 
High  Priest,  the  Priests  and  Levites,  in  honour  and  commemora- 
tion of  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  who  are  one  in 
love,  design  and  labour. 

The  Apostles  were  equal  in  spiritual  power.  As  such  they 
separated  from  Jerusalem  after  receiving  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
ordained  Bishops,  Priests  and  Deacons,  in  their  single  and  sepa- 
rate capacity,  without  ever  meeting  again  to  form  a  College  of 
Bishops. 

Whence,  then,  arose  the  idea  of  a  College  of  Bishops  as  neces- 
sary to  the  Consecration  of  a  Bishop  ?  Answer :  From  the  Pope 
and  Conclave  of  Kome,  from  Mahomet  and  from  Monarchs,  or 
Despots,  with  the  ignoble  purpose  of  trampling  under  foot  the 
Institution  of  Christ,  ordained  in  His  Church. 

Christ  was  High  Priest.  So  was  each  of  His  Apostles  and 
their  Successors.  What  Christian,  therefore,  must  he  be  who 
seeks  to  establish  a  College  of  JBishops  above  the  Chief  Shepherd 
and  Bishop  of  His  own  Flock  !  This  was  the  work  of  Antichrist, 
of  Deists  and  Arians,  who  brought  spiritual  wickedness  into  high 
places — making  them  Lords. 


46  FACTS  AJfD  DOCUMEJ^TS-1794' 

Will  America  give  ubiquity  only  to  a  College  of  Bishops  ? 
Kemember  the  Fasces  of  Rome  only  represented  what  the  Tyrants 
of  Rome  aimed  at  and  effected.  Your  Church  will  be  free  under 
a  Bishop,  Priests  and  Deacons ;  but  they  and  your  Church  will  be 
slaves  under  a  College  of  Bishops,  as  all  Bishops  and  Churches 
were  under  the  Pope,  Cardinals,  Patriarchs,  Arch-Bishops  and  a 
Legion  of  Bashaws  and  Ubiquitarians. 

Each  Church  in  each  State  is  free  and  sovereign.  The  civil 
powers  cannot  rob  you  of  your  freedom.  You  must  rob  your- 
selves by  coming  into  the  wake  of  the  College  of  Bishops  at 
Philadelphia,  or  at  Rome.  Remember  it  is  better  to  prevent  an 
evil  than  to  cure  it.  I  was  free  born  and  choose  freedom  in  my 
native  country  to  slavery  in  Europe. 

I  shall  see  you,  but  not  now.     Farewell. 

SAMUEL  PETERS. 

Truman  Squier,  Esq." 

There  is  no  Record  of  the  regular  annual  Convention  of  the 
Diocese  in  September  1794.  It  appears  from  the  records  of  the 
Parish  in  Bethel  that  delegates  were  appointed  by  it  to  attend  the 
Convention  at  Castleton.  The  Records  of  the  Parishes  in  Ar- 
lington and  Manchester  contain  nothing  respecting  it.  It  is  quite 
probable,  inasmuch  as  there  had  been  a  Special  Convention  in 
February,  that  no  Convention  was  holden  at  the  usual  time.  The 
days  were  evil.  Cupidity,  sectarianism  and  injustice  were  in  the 
ascendant.  The  few  scattered  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church 
may  naturally  have  been  discouraged.  It  was  almost  everywhere 
spoken  against,  for  the  simple  reasons  that  its  doctrines  were  mis- 
understood, and  that  it  was  feeble  as  respected  numbers  and  had 
a  rightful  claim  to  a  large  endowment,  which  others,  professing  all 
sorts  of  religion,  or  no  religion  in  particular,  very  much  coveted. 

During  the  Session  of  the  Legislature  at  Rutland  in  the  Fall  of 
1794,  after  an  ineffectual  attempt  to  sequester  the  lands  of  the 
Propagation  Society  to  the  use  of  the  University  of  Vermont, 
measures  were  taken  to  divert  both  the  Society  and  Glebe  lands 
from  their  intended  and  known  use.  The  result  of  these  measures 
was  the  passage  of  two  Bills  which  confiscated  the  whole  property 
of  the  Episcopal  Church,  awarding  from  the  income  of  the  Glebes, 
a  miserable  pro  rata  pittance  to  her  Clergy. 


FA  CTS  AKB  D  OCUMENTS-1794.  47 

It  is  deemed  proper  for  the  information  of  such  as  may  desire 
to  understand  the  relation  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Vermont 
to  the  State,  and  what  in  other  days  has  been  done  by  the  Legis- 
lature to  impoverish  and  destroy  it,  to  insert  here  so  much  of  the 
Journal  of  the  Session  of  1794,  as  has  respect  to  the  Society  and 
Glebe  reservations  in  the  New-Hampshire  Grants.  Nothing  is 
changed,  with  the  exception  in  the  case  of  Committees  and  the 
vote  of  members  by  yea  and  nay,  where  the  surname  only  is  put 
in  the  Journal,  the  Christian  name,  taken  from  the  printed  List 
of  members,  has  been  prefixed,  and  the  name  of  the  Town  or 
County  represented,  also  taken  from  the  authorized  List  of  names 
and  places,  has  been  added : 

Tuesday,  October  14th,  1794.  "  A  Petition  signed  by  Ira  Al- 
len and  Enoch  Woodbridge,  Esquires,  in  behalf  of  the  Corpora- 
tion of  the  University  of  Vermont,  stating,  that  in  most  of  the 
towns  in  this  State,  granted  by  the  government  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, there  is  one  right  in  each  town,  granted  for  the  Propagation 
of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  etc.,  that  the  property  of  those 
rights  has  merged  in  the  Legislature  of  this  State;  and  as  those 
were  by  the  Grantor  intended  for  public  and  pious  uses,  and  have 
not  been  appropriated ;  and  that  they  be  made  useful  in  extend- 
ing the  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures,  the  Arts  and  Sciences,  to 
this  and  the  rising  generations,  fray  that  they  may  have  liberty 
to  bring  in  a  Bill,  appropriating  all  those  rights  to  the  University 
of  Vermont,  was  read  and  the  prayer  thereof  was  granted.  Ac- 
cordingly, A  Bill,  entitled,  An  Act  granting  the  lands  therein 
described,  to  the  University  of  Vermont,  was  read.  Ordered, 
That  it  lie  on  the  table  for  consideration." — Journal  of  1794,  p.  30. 

Three  days  later,  Friday,  October  17th,  we  find  Mr.  Ira  Allen, 
instead  of  calling  attention  to  the  Bill  in  favor  of  the  University 
of  Vermont,  pursuing  a  somewhat  different  course,  but  still  bent 
on  confiscating  the  property  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  The  tem- 
per of  the  Legislature  may  not  have  been  favorable  to  the  Uni- 
versity, or  doubts  may  have  arisen  in  his  mind  respecting  the 
probable  great  extension  of  "the  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures"  by 
the  enrichment  of  that  institution. 

"On  motion  by  Mr.  I.  Allen,  Resolved,  That  His  Excellency, 
the  Governor  and   Council  be  requested  to  join  the  House  in 


48  FA  CIS  AJfD  D OCUME^TS-1794. 

Grand- Committe  to-morrow  morning,  to  take  into  consideration, 
the  propriety  of  disposing  of  the  land  in  the  several  towns  of  this 
State,  reserved  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign 
parts." — Journal,  1794,  p.  70. 

Saturday,  18th  October,  "agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  day, 
His  Excellency  the  Governor  and  Council,  and  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives, joined  in  Grand  Committee,  to  take  into  considera- 
tion the  propriety  of  disposing  of  the  rights  of  land  in  the  several 
towns  in  this  State,  reserved  for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  in 
foreign  parts.  His  Excellency  in  the  Chair,  Ros.  Hopkins,  Clerk. 
After  the  Charter  of  the  township  of  Rutland,  issued  by  Benning 
Wentworth,  Esquire,  late  Governor  of  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire,  to  the  proprietors  thereof;  and,  also,  the  Treaty  of 
Peace,  concluded  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain, 
in  1783,  were  read,  a  desultory  conversation  ensued,  when  the 
Committee  adjourned  until  the  opening  of  the  House  on  Tuesday 
Morning  next." — Journal,  1794,  pp.  73,  74. 

"  Tuesday,  21st  October,  the  Grand  Committee  met  pursuant 
to  adjournment.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Com- 
mittee, that  the  lands  in  this  State,  granted  by  the  late  Governor 
of  New  Hampshire  to  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gos- 
pel in  Foreign  Parts,  does  of  right  belong  to  this  State." 

"  On  motion  of  Mr.  I.  Allen,  Resolved,  That  a  Committee  of 
one  Member  from  each  County,  be  appointed  to  report  their  opin- 
ion to  this  Committee,  what  use  shall  be  made  of  the  rights  of 
land,  granted  for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts. 
Members  chosen :  Messieurs  Jonas  Galusha,  Luke  Knowlton,  Sam- 
uel Williams,  Stephen  Jacob,  John  Strong,  William  Chamberlin 
and  John  White.  The  Committee  then  adjourned  until  the  open- 
ing of  the  House,  on  Thursday  Morning  next."  Journal  ]794, 
p.  94. 

Tuesday,  October  21st,  afternoon  session.  "The  Committee 
appointed  on  the  tenth  article  in  the  arrangement  of  the  business 
of  the  present  Session,  viz.  That  some  effectual  measures  be  taken 
to  direct  the  Selectmen  to  take  actual  possession  of  the  Glebe  and 
propagation  rights  in  the  several  towns  in  this  State,  made  the 
following  report :  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  your  Committee  that 
the  Legislature  of  this  State  have  the  sole  right  to  ^ispose  of  the 


FACTS  AXD  DOCUMEJ{TS-1794.  49 

right  in  each  town,  known  and  called  by  the  name  of  the  propa- 
gation right,  and  that  they  be  disposed  of  for  the  use  and  benefit 
of  common  schools,  in  the  several  towns  in  which  they  lie. 

Your  Committee  further  report  the  following  Bill  for  the  better 
improvement  of  the  Glebe-Lands,  viz.  A  Bill,  entitled,  An  Act  au- 
thorizing the  Select-men  of  the  several  towns,  in  this  State,  to 
take  possession  of  the  Glebe-Lands. 

(Signed  )    JONAS  GALUSHA,  for  the  Committee. 

Which  report  was  read  and  accepted,  so  far  as  it  relates  to  the 
Glebe-Lands.  The  Bill  contained  in  the  above  report  was  then 
read. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  a  Committee  con- 
sisting of  one  Member  from  each  county,  to  revise  and  amend. 
Members  chosen  :  Messrs  Andrew  Selden,  Stamford ;  John  Bridge- 
man,  Hinsdale ;  Joseph  Kaudall,  Wallingford;  Elijah  Robbinson, 
Weathersfield ;  Stephen  Hard,  Salisbury;  William  Chamberlin, 
Peacham  and  William  C.  Harrington,  Shelburne."  Journal,  1794, 
pp.  99,  100. 

Thursday,  October  23d.  "  The  Grand-Committee  met  pursuant 
to  adjournment.  The  sub-committee  made  the  following  report, 
viz. 

To  the  Grand-Committee, — 

Your  Committee  report  as  their  opinion  that  the  rights  of 
land  in  this  State,  granted  to  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of 
the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts  ought  to  be  appropriated  for  the  ben- 
efit of  schools,  in  the  respective  towns,  where  the  lands  lie. 

(Signed)    JOHN  STRONG,  for  Committee." 
Journal,  1794,  p.  110. 

Friday,  Oct.  24th.  "On  motion.  Ordered,  That  a  Committee 
of  three  be  appointed  to  prepare  and  bring  in  a  Bill,  agreeable  to 
the  report  of  the  Sub-Committee  of  the  Grand  Committee,  viz. 
That  the  rights  of  land  in  this  State,  granted  to  the  Society  for 
the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  ought  to  be  ap- 
propriated for  the  benefit  of  schools  in  the  respective  towns,  in 
which  they  lie.  Members  chosen :  Messrs  Timothy  Todd,  Arling- 
ton ;  Stephen  Jacob,  Windsor,  and  Jonathan  Robbinson,  Ben- 
nington. 


50  FACTS  AJ^D  DOCUMEJfTS-1794^ 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Legislature  is  possessed  of  the 
right  to  direct  to  such  uses  as  may,  in  their  opinion,  be  most  sub- 
servient to  the  support  of  religious  worship,  the  several  rights  of 
land  in  this  State,  granted  by  the  late  British  government,  for  a 
Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  as  by  their  law  established. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  Committee  last  appointed,  be  a 
Committee  to  bring  in  a  Bill  agreeably  to  the  tenor  of  the  fore- 
going resolve."    Journal  1794,  pp.  130,  131. 

Tuesday,  Oct.  28th.  "  The  Committee  appointed  to  bring  in 
a  Bill,  directing  the  uses  of  the  Glebe-Rights  within  this  State, 
reported,  A  Bill,  entitled.  An  Act  directing  the  uses  of  the  rights 
of  land  in  this  State,  heretofore  granted  by  the  British  Govern- 
ment, as  Glebes,  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church  of  England,  as  by 
their  law  established,  which  was  read  and  accepted.  The  said 
Bill,  having  had  a  first  reading,  Ordered,  That  it  lie  on  the  table." 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  and  bring  in  a  Bill  on 
the  report  of  the  Sub-Committee  of  the  Grand-Committee,  rela- 
tive to  the  appropriation  of  the  rights  of  land  granted  to  the  So- 
ciety for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  reported 
a  Bill,  entitled,  An  Act,  directing  the  appropriation  of  the  lands  in 
this  State  heretofore  granted  by  the  British  Government,  to  the 
Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  which 
report  was  read  and  accepted.  The  said  Bill  having  had  a  first 
reading,  Ordered,  That  it  lie  on  the  table."  Journal,  1794,  pp. 
174,  175. 

Wednesday,  Oct.  29th.  "  A  Bill,  entitled  An  Act,  directing 
the  uses  of  the  rights  of  land  in  this  State,  heretofore  granted  by 
the  British  Government,  as  Glebes,  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church 
of  England,  as  by  their  law  established  was  read  the  second  time. 
On  the  question :  Will  the  House  accept  said  Bill  ?  The  yeas  and 
nays  being  required  by  Mr.  Gallup,  those  who  voted  in  the  affirm- 
ative were,  Lemuel  Bradley,  Sunderland;  Simeon  Hazeltine,  Sand- 
gate  ;  Stephen  Martindale,  Dorset;  Jonathan  Robbinson,  Ben- 
nington; Moses  Sheldon,  Rupert;  Andrew  Selden,  Stamford; 
Samuel  Thayer,  Reedsboro ;  Peter  Wright,  Shaftsbury ;  Josiah 
Wright,  Pownal ;  Ebenezer  Allen,  New-Fane ;  Josiah  Arms, 
Brattleboro  ;    Edward  Aiken,  Londonderry ;    William   Bigelow, 


FACTS  AKB  BOpUMEKTS-1794.  51 

Guilford  ;  John  Bridgeraan,  Hinsdale ;  Timothy  Castle,  Willming- 
ton;  John  Campbell,  Putney;  Caleb  Hay  ward,  Jamaca ;  David 
Palmer,  Grafton ;  James  Shafter,  Athens ;  Eliakim  Spooner, 
Westminster;  David  Sanderson,  Rockingham;  Daniel  Taylor, 
Dummerston  ,  Jonas  Whiting,  Marlboro  ;  Asa  Wheelock,  Wards- 
boro ;  Jonathan  Brewster,  Middleton  ;  Joseph  Button,  Wells ; 
John  Blanchard,  Sudbury  ;  John  Bancroft,  Chittenden;  Emanuel 
Case,  Shrewsbury;  Abel  Cooper,  Clarenden ;  Joseph  Haskell, 
Pawlet ;  Abraham  Jackson,  Mount  Holly ;  Nathan  Ramsey,  Hub- 
bardton,  Joseph  Randall,  Wallingford;  George  Sherman,  Ira; 
Amos  Spafford,  Orwell;  Orange  Train,  Tinmouth;  Samuel  Wil- 
liams, Rutland;  John  Clark,  Hartford;  Benjamin  Emmons,  Wood- 
stock ;  Stephen  Jacob,  Windsor ;  Elias  Keyes,  Sturbridge  ;  Wil- 
liam Perry,  Pomfret;  Benjamin  Perkins,  Bridgewater;  Frederick 
Rogers,  Andover ;  Waitstill  Ranney,  Chester ;  Simeon  Stevens, 
Springfield  ;  Reuben  Spalding,  Sharon  ;  James  Smith,  Cavendish ; 

Abijah  Stone,  Reading;   Bradley,  New  Haven  ;  Clark, 

Addison;  Joshua  Hyde,  Middlebury ;  Samuel  Jewet,  Waybridge  ; 
Henry  McLaughlin,  Bristol;  James  Moore,  Shoreham;  James 
Smith,  Leicester;  Joseph  Willoughby,  Monkton;  E.  Allen,  South 
Hero;  Ira  Allen,  Coulchester;  Jonathan  Butterfield,  Highgate  ; 
Ezra  Butler,  Waterbury;  Lemuel  Bostwick,  Hinesburgh ;  Martin 
Chittenden,  Jericho ;  William  Coit,  Burlington;  Jonathan  Dan- 
forth,  Fairfax;  Benjamin  Davis,  Duxbury;  James  Gilmore,  Cam- 
bridge; Silas  Hathaway,  St.  Albans;  Nathan  Hutchins,  North 
Hero ;  William  C.  Harrington,  Shelburne ;  David  Hubbell,  Char- 
lotte ;  Benjamin  Marvin,  Alburgh ;  Amos  Mansfield,  Milton ;  John 
McConnel,  Johnston;  Luther  Mosely,  Moreton;  Seth  Putnam, 
Middlesex ;  Jeremiah  Stone,  Westford ;  Joseph  Scot,  Craftsbury ; 
Edmund  Town,  Fairfield;  William  Utley,  Isle-Mott;  Joshua 
Bayley,  Newbury;  John  Barron,  Bradford;  Daniel  Cahoon,  Lyn- 
don ;  Asher  Chamberlin,  Thetford ;  William  Chamberlin,  Peach- 
am;  Josiah  Edson,  Randolph;  Experians  Fisk,  Brookfield ; 
Amasa  Grout,  Lunenburgh ;  Heber  Gilbert,  Strafford ;  Samuel 
Hazletine,  Corinth ;  Alexander  Harvey,  Barnet ;  Nathaniel  Kings- 
bury, Tnnbridge ;  James  More,  Cabot ;  Isaac  Nichols,  Braintrce  ; 
Thomas  Porter,  Vershire ;  Josiah  Page,  Ryegate ;  Asaph  Sher- 
man, Bane ;  Benjamin  Sias,  Danville ;  John  Taplin,  Berlin. 


62  FACTS  AKD  BOCVMEKTS-1794. 

Those  who  voted  in  the  negative,  were,  Martin  Powel,  Man- 
chester; James  Roberts,  Whitingham ;  Isaac  Horsford,  Poultney; 
Elihu  Sherman,  Danby;  Enoch  Emmerson,  Rochester;  Oliver 
Gallup,  Hartland;  Joel  Marsh,  Bethel;  Elias  Stevens,  Royalton  ; 
Joel  Foster,  Whiting;  Stephen  Hard,  Salisbury;  Marshal  Smith, 
Bridport ;  Jabez  Jones,  Bolton ;  Seth  Putnam,  Middlesex ;  Samuel 
Badger,  Chelsea;  Haines  French,  Maidston. 

It  passed  in  the  affirmative.     Yeas,  100,  Nays,  15. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  engrossed,  and  sent  to  the  Governor  and 
Council  for  revision  and  concurrence,  or  proposals  of  amendment. 

A  Bill,  entitled  An  Act,  directing  the  appropriation  of  the  lands 
in  this  State  heretofore  granted  by  the  British  Government  to  the 
Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  was 
read  the  second  time  and  accepted. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  sent  to  the  Governor  and  Council  for 
revision  and  concurrence,  or  proposals  of  amendment." — Journal, 
1794,  pp.  191,  192. 

These  Bills  were  returned  from  the  Governor  and  Council,  Oc- 
tober 30th,  1794,  and  became  laws.  The  following  is  a  copy  of 
them,  as  subsequently  published  : 

"An  Act  directing  the  uses  of  the  rights  of  land,  in  this  State, 
heretofore  granted  by  the  British  Government  as  Glebes,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Church  of  England,  as  by  their  law  established  : 

Whereas,  by  the  first  principles  of  our  government,  it  is  con- 
templated, that  all  religious  sects  and  denominations  of  Christians, 
whose  religious  tenets  are  consistent  with  allegiance  to  the  con- 
stitution and  government  of  this  State,  should  receive  equal  pro- 
tection and  patronage,  from  the  civil  power.  And  whereas  it  is 
contemplated,  in  the  grants  heretofore  made  by  the  Biitish  Gov- 
ernment, commonly  called  Glebe-Rights,  that  the  uses  of  said 
rights  should  be,  to  the  sole  and  exclusive  purpose  of  building  up 
a  national  religion,  of  a  government  diverse  from,  and  inconsistent 
with  the  rights  of  our  own :  by  reason  whereof,  and  on  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  revolution,  the  property  of  said  lands  is  vested  in  this 
State  :  therefore.  It  is  herehy  enacted  ly  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
State  of  Vermont^  That  the  rights  of  land,  in  the  several  towns  of 
this  State,  heretofore  granted  under  the  authority  of  the  British 


FACTS  AJfD  DOCUMEJfTS-1794-  53 

Government,  as  Glebes,  for  the  use  of  the  Church  of  England,  as 
by  law  established,  be,  and  they  hereby  are  granted,  to  the  several 
and  respective  towns,  in  which  such  lands  lie,  to  the  use,  and  for 
the  sole  purpose,  of  appropriating  the  rents  and  profits  of  such 
lands,  to  and  for  the  support  of  religious  worship,  in  such  towns 
forever.  The  said  rents  and  profits  to  be  distributed,  in  towns 
where  there  may  be  more  than  one  resident  religious  teacher,  for 
the  support  of  such  teachers,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  rata- 
ble polls  belonging  to  the  respective  congregations,  and  residents, 
in  such  towns.  And  that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  selectmen,  of 
the  respective  towns  where  such  lands  lie,  in  the  name  and  behalf 
of  such  towns,  by  action  of  ejectment,  on  the  demise  of  the  select- 
men of  such  towns,  respectively,  to  obtain  possession  of,  and  lease 
out  such  lands,  for  a  term  not  exceeding  fourteen  years,  at  any 
one  time.  And  they  shall  have  power  to  demand,  recover,  and 
receive  the  rents  and  profits  arising  from  such  lands;  and  shall, 
from  time  to  time,  pay  the  same  into  the  treasury  of  such  town. 
Which  suras,  so  collected  and  paid  as  aforesaid,  after  satisfying 
such  reasonable  demands  as  said  selectmen  may  justly  have,  for 
their  trouble  and  expense  in  said  business,  adjusted  and  voted  by 
such  town,  shall  be  paid  out,  by  order  of  the  selectmen,  for  the 
purposes,  and  in  the  proportions,  herein  before  expressed."  Laws 
of  Vermont,  compiled  by  William  Slade,  Jun.,  pp.  194,  195. 

"An  Act,  directing  the  appropriation  of  the  Lands  in  this  State, 
heretofore  granted  by  the  British  Government,  to  'the  Society  for 
the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts.' 

Whereas,  by  the  customs  and  usages  of  nations,  no  aliens  can 
or  of  right  ought  to  hold  real  estate,  in  a  country  to  whose  juris- 
diction they  cannot  be  made  amenable  or  responsible.  And 
whereas  'the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign 
Parts,'  is  a  corporation  created  by,  and  existing  within  a  foreign 
jurisdiction,  to  which  they  alone  are  amenable  ;  by  reason  whereof, 
at  the  time  of  the  late  revolution  of  this  and  the  United  States, 
from  the  jurisdiction  of  Great  Britain,  all  lands  in  this  State, 
granted  to  'the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in 
Foreign  Parts,'  became  vested  in  this  State ;  and  has  to  this  time, 
remained  unappropriated.     And  whereas  it  appears  to  this  Legis- 


54  FACTS  AMD  DOCUMEJfTS-1794. 

latiire,  that  said  lands  might  be  more  useful,  if  granted  for  the 
purposes  of  education,  than  in  any  other  way :  therefore,  It  is 
herehy  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  That 
the  several  rights  of  land,  in  this  State,  granted  under  the  author- 
ity of  the  British  Government,  previous  to  the  Revolution,  to  'the 
Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,'  be, 
and  the  same  hereby  are  granted,  severally,  to  the  respective 
towns,  in  which  such  lands  lie,  and  to  their  respective  use  and 
uses  forever,  in  manner  following,  viz.  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Belectmen,  in  the  respective  towns,  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  such 
towns,  if  necessary,  to  demand,  sue  for,  and  recover  the  possession 
of  such  lands,  and  the  same  to  lease  out,  as  long  as  water  runs  or 
wood  grows ;  and,  annually  at  farthest,  to  collect  the  rents  and 
profits  of  such  lands,  and  the  same  pay  into  the  treasury  of  such 
town,  taking  the  treasurer's  receipt  therefor.  Which  moneys  so 
arising,  after  deducting  the  reasonable  expense  and  charge  of  the 
said  selectmen,  as  the  town  shall  legally  vote  to  allow,  shall  be 
drawn  out  of  the  treasury,  in  pursuance  of  a  vote  of  such  town, 
and  distributed  in  the  several  school  districts  in  such  town,  annu- 
ally, in  proportion  to  the  number  of  ratable  polls  in  such  district. 
Provided,  such  districts,  shall  in  the  course  of  the  year  immedi- 
ately preceding,  have  employed  a  school-master  within  such  dis- 
trict, whose  services  as  such,  exclusive  of  boarding,  shall  have 
amounted  to  such  dividend.  But,  such  districts  as  shall  not  have 
employed  a  school-master,  as  aforesaid,  shall  not,  for  the  year  so 
neglecting,  be  entitled  to  any  dividend.  And  if  no  district,  in 
such  town,  shall  have  employed  a  school-master,  as  aforesaid  ; 
then  such  rents  shall,  by  the  said  selectmen,  be  drawn  out  of  the 
treasury,  and  put  to  use,  for  one  year,  the  aggregate  whereof  shall 
be  added  to  the  next  annual  dividend ;  and  so,  from  time  to  time, 
as  the  case  may  be."  Laws  of  Vermont,  compiled  by  William 
Slade,  Jun.,  pp.  193,  194. 


JOURJfAL-1795.  55 

1795. 

Rutland,  Nov.  13th,  1795. 

The  Episcopal  Church  Convention  of  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont met  according  to  a  special  warning  for  that  purpose. 

On  motion  resolved,  that  a  Secretary  be  appointed  to  fill 
the  vacancy. 

Col.  Lyon  nominated  Truman  Squier,  Esq.,  which  nom- 
ination being  seconded,  Voted  that  Truman  Squier,  Esq,  be 
appointed  Secretary,  vice,  the  Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  having 
moved  out  of  this  State,  who  accepted  of  his  appointment. 

Present : 
Mr.  Eleazer  Baldwin,  President,  and  the  following  Mem- 
bers of  said  Convention  : 

FAIRHAVEN: 

Col.  Matthew  Lyon. 

PAWLET : 

Capt.  Benoni  Smith,  Henry  Worster. 

MANCHESTER : 

Job  Giddings,  Esq.,  Philo  Sperry. 

Noah  Smith, 

SANDGATE : 
Rev.  James  Nichols. 

CASTLETON: 

John  Whitlock. 

RUTLAND: 

Col.  John  A.  Graham,    Cophan  Smith, 
Burr  Graham,  Robert  Graham. 

On  motion.  Voted  that  Jonathan  Parker,  jun.,  Esq.  of 
Clarenden  be  requested  to  take  a  seat  in  the  Convention. 

Col.  John  A.  Graham  having  laid  before  the  Convention 
all  his  writings  and  his  doings  as  their  Agent  to  Great  Brit- 
ain to  obtain  the  Consecration  of  the  Rev.  Doct.  S.  Peters 
as  their  Bishop  elect  over  the  Episcopal  Churches  of  the 
State  of  Vermont,  which  being  read,  etc. 


56  J0UR:N'AL-1795. 

Eesolved  ;  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  given 
to  Col.  John  A.  Grraham  for  his  Generosity  and  Zeal  in  the 
cause  of  religion,  and  for  his  wise  and  judicious  conduct,  aa 
the  Agent  of  this  Convention  to  Great  Britain. 

Resolved  ;  That  this  Convention  has  the  highest  sense  of 
gratitude  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  S.  Peters,  for  his  attention  to  this 
Church,  and  feel  a  sensible  regret  in  not  being  able  to  pro- 
cure his  Consecration,  by  means  of  the  construction  given 
by  the  English  Arch-Bishops,  of  the  Act  of  the  British  Par- 
liament, which  provides  for  the  consecration  to  the  office  of 
Bishop,  of  persons  being  subjects  or  citizens  of  Countries  out 
of  his  Britanic  Majesty's  Dominions. 

Resolved  ;  That  Truman  Squier  be  appointed  one  of  the 
Standing  Committee,  vice.  Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  having  moved 
out  of  the  State  ;  likewise.  Job  Giddings,  Esq.,  vice,  Rev. 
Mr.  Ogden. 

Resolved  ;  That  the  President  and  Secretary  of  this  Con- 
vention be  and  are  hereby  directed  to  write  to  the  several 
Bishops  of  the  United  States,  acquainting  them  with  the 
Election  of  Dr.  Peters  to  be  Bishop  of  Vermont,  and  to  in- 
form them  that  the  Convention  of  Vermont,  understanding 
it  to  be  Dr.  Peters'wish  to  be  consecrated  in  England,  and 
taking  it  for  granted  that  it  would  be  much  more  convenient 
to  have  Dr.  Peters  receive  his  consecration  there,  than  to 
trouble  the  three  Auierican  Bishops  to  come  together  for 
the  purpose,  for  which  reasons  the  Convention  empowered 
Col.  John  A.  Graham  to  repair  to  London,  and  take  meas- 
ures for  the  consecration  of  L)r.  Peters  ;  in  which  mission, 
although  we  have  been  unsuccessful,  we  still  wish  to  know, 
if  he  will  be  consecrated  our  Bishop,  and  request  them  to 
confer  with  each  other  on  the  subject,  and  inform  us  their 
result,  whether  they  will  oonsecrate  Dr.  Peters  our  Bishop, 
and  when  and  where  it  will  be  convenient  for  them  to  attend 
to  it. 

Resolved ;    That  Dr.   Peters  be  acquainted  with  these 
transactions. 


JOVRKAL-1795.  57 

Eesolved  ;  That  the  doings  of  this  Convention,  with  Col. 
Graham's  Keport,  be  forthwith  published, 
The  end  of  the  Rutland  Session. 


In  a  Letter,  printed  in  Sprague's  Annals  of  the  American 
Episcopal  Pulpit,  the  Rt.  Rev.  the  Bishop  of  Indiana  states  that 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Peters  did  not  apply  to  the  American  Bishops  for 
Consecration,  and  then  assigns  several  reasons  why  no  such  ap- 
plication was  made.  In  regard  to  the  matter  of  application,  the 
Rt.  Rev.  writer  was  in  error;  and  no  such  reasons  as  those  con- 
tained in  his  letter  appear  in  the  Journal  of  the  General  Conven- 
tion of  1795.  At  this  distance  of  time  it  is  quite  difficult  to  tell 
precisely  vphat  were  the  sentiments  of  that  Body  of  venerable 
men  any  further  than  the  Record  of  their  action,  which  they  have 
left,  may  plainly  show.     Sprague's  Ann.  Am.  Ep.  Pulpit,  p.  196. 

Previous  to  the  meeting  of  the  Special  Convention  at  Rutland, 
November  13th,  1795,  some  one  had  forwarded  the  papers  respect- 
ing the  election  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Peters,  and  asking  for  his  Conse- 
cration as  Bishop  of  Vermont,  by  the  College  of  Bishops  in  this 
country,  to  Bishop  White.  President  of  the  House  of  Bishops.  At 
the  time  of  this  Convention,  tlie  question  respecting  the  Consecra- 
tion of  Dr.  Peters  had  been  decided  in  the  General  Convention  at 
Philadelphia ;  but  the  knowledge  of  this  fact  cannot  have  reached 
the  members  of  the  Convention  at  the  time  of  the  Session  in  Rut- 
land. The  Resolution  of  the  Convention  above  given  doubtless 
contemplated  the  pressing  of  that  application  to  a  favorable  issue. 

On  the  third  day  of  the  Session  of  the  General  Convention,  at 
Philadelphia,  September  10th,  1795,  in  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies,  "  A  letter  was  received  from  the  Right  Rev.  Dr. 
White  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  enclosing  sundry  testimonials, 
respecting  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Peters,  as  Bishop  elect  of  the 
Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont,  Avhich  were  read,  and  ordered  to 
lie  on  the  table."  September  18th,  being  the  9th  day  of  the  Ses- 
sion of  the  General  Convention,  the  following  Resolution  passed 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  respecting  these  testimo- 
nials :  "  Resolved ;  That  the  testimonials  from  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont respecting  the  Consecration  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Peters, 


58  JOURMAL-1795. 

Bent  by  the  House  of  Bishops,  be  returned  to  them,  with  a  request, 
that  they  will  answer  it  in  whatever  manner  they  shall  think  best." 

The  Journal  of  the  House  of  Bishops  of  the  same  date — Sep- 
tember 18,  1795,  the  9th  day  of  the  Session — contains  the  follow- 
ing minute  and  decision  in  regard  to  the  Bishop  elect  of  Vermont : 
"  The  house  received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu- 
ties, papers  respecting  the  election  of  Dr.  Peters  to  be  Bishop  in 
the  State  of  Vermont." 

"  The  President  of  this  House  is  desired  to  give  such  an  answer 
as  the  nature  of  the  case  requires,  and  particularly  to  mention,  in 
the  said  answer,  that  the  Bishops  cannot  with  propriety  consecrate 
a  Bishop  for  the  Church  in  any  State,  until  such  Church  shall 
have  acceded  to  the  general  Ecclesiastical  Constitution  of  the 
Church  in  the  United  States." 

Here  it  seems  fit  to  add,  in  brief,  what  is  known  of  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Peters,  LL.  D. 

Samuel  Peters,  a  son  of  John  Peters,  a  distant  relative  of  Hugh 
Peters,  was  born  in  Hebron,  Connecticut,  November  20,  1735.  He 
graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1757.  Having  devoted  a  due  length 
of  time  to  theological  reading,  he  went  to  England,  and  was  or- 
dained in  London,  Deacon  and  Priest,  in  1759.  In  1760,  he  re- 
turned to  this  country,  and  took  charge  of  the  Church  in  Hebron. 
During  about  14  years,  he  continued  in  the  peaceful  and  exem- 
plary discharge  of  his  clerical  duties  in  this  parish.  At  the 
approach  of  the  Revolution,  on  account  of  his  high  Tory  views, 
he  became  very  obnoxious  to  the  people.  Having  suffered  much 
opposition  and  great  indignity  and  violence  from  two  mobs,  he 
fled  from  his  native  town  to  Boston.  From  this  place  in  the 
month  of  September,  1774,  he  sailed  to  England.  Soon  after  his 
arrival  in  that  country,  he  received  from  the  Government  a  pen- 
sion and  a  grant  for  his  property  which  had  been  confiscated  by 
the  Americans.  For  reasons  which  are  not  now  known,  he  did 
not  receive  there  any  appointment  to  the  discharge  of  his  proper 
duty  as  a  Priest  in  the  Church.  During  his  residence  in  England, 
he  received  the  Degree  of  Doctor  of  Laws  from  one  of  the  Scotch 
Universities. 

In  1794,  about  twenty  years   after  leaving  this  country,  Dr. 


JOUR.YAL-1795.  59 

Peters  was  elected  Bishop  of  Vermont.  To  the  older  Churchmen 
in  this  State,  he  had  been  favorably  known.  In  1768,  he  visited 
Vermont,  and  did  duty  as  a  Missionary  for  eight  weeks  During 
this  time  in  which  he  visited  most  of  the  settlements,  as  he  states 
in  his  life  of  Hugh  Peters,  he  baptized  the  incredible  number  of 
nearly  twelve  hundred  adults  and  children.  In  1771,  he  was  on 
Missionary  duty  in  the  western  part  of  New  Hampshire  and  or- 
ganized the  church  in  Claremont  and  baptized  a  number  of  chil- 
dren. The  reasons  why  Dr.  Peters  was  not  consecrated  to  the 
office  of  Bishop  in  this  state,  as  far  as  they  can  now  be  ascertained, 
appear  in  the  various  documents  inserted  in  this  Journal,  under 
the  dates  of  1794  and  1795. 

During  the  next  eleven  years  after  this  election  to  the  office  of 
Bishop  of  Vermont,  Dr.  Peters  continued  to  reside  in  England. 
On  account  of  some  disagreement  between  Mr.  Pitt  and  himself, 
Dr.  Peters  was  struck  from  the  pension  list  in  1803  or  1804. 
Having  obtained,  in  connection  with  Dr.  Lettsom  of  London,  from 
Capt.  Jonathan  Carver,  a  noted  Indian  traveller,  the  grant  of  a 
tract  of  land  one  hundred  miles  square,  situated  on  the  East  side 
of  the  Mississippi  River,  at  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony,  he  returned 
to  this  country  in  1805.  Although  sought  for  many  years  with 
much  trouble  and  vvearisomeness,  Dr.  Peters  never  obtained  pos- 
session of  this  grant.  For  most  of  the  time,  after  his  return  from 
England,  his  means  of  living  were  small  and  uncertain,  derived 
from  fictitious  land  sales  and  charity.  He  died  in  New  York, 
April  19th,  1826,  in  the  ninety-first  year  of  his  age.  His  body 
was  removed  to  Hebron  for  burial  among  his  kindred  and  former 
associates.  Samuel  Jarvis  Peters,  of  New  Orleans,  a  grandson, 
erected  a  handsome  monument  over  his  grave  in  1841. 

The  Hon.  John  S.  Peters,  M.  D.  LL.  D.,  late  Governor  of  Con- 
necticut, a  nephew  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Peters,  says  in  regard  to  him 
that  "  he  had  an  unusually  commanding  personal  appearance.  He 
was  full  six  feet  high,  remarkably  erect,  of  a  large  and  muscular 
body,  but  not  fat ;  his  eyes  were  blue,  and  his  face  strongly 
marked  by  the  small-pox.  In  his  private  intercourse  he  was  ani- 
mated, even  loquacious ;  and  the  great  amount  of  anecdote  which 
he  had  at  command  rendered  him  a  most  entertaining  companion. 
He  had  an  uncommonly  active  mind,  and  had  acquired  a  large 


60  JOURJ^AL-1796. 

store  of  varied  information.  He  had  an  iron  will  as  well  as  an 
iron  frame ;  and  whatever  he  undertook  he  pursued  with  a  spirit 
of  indomitable  perseverance.  His  ruling  passion  was  ambition ; 
but  though  he  made  some  noise  in  the  world,  he  probably  never 
reached  any  high  point  of  distinction  to  which  he  aspired.  As  a 
preacher,  he  held  a  highly  respectable  rank :  his  sermons  were 
written  with  care,  and  delivered  in  a  manly  and  impressive  man- 
ner. He  loved  kings,  admired  the  British  Government,-  and  re- 
vered the  Hierarchy.  In  his  domestic  and  private  relations,  he 
was  everything  that  could  be  desired."  Sprague's  Ann.  Am.  Ep. 
Pulpit,  pp.  191 — 195.  Thompson's  Vermont,  Part  II,  p.  194. 
Churchman's  Magazine,  vol.  ii,  p.  177. 


1796. 

Arlington,  Sept.  21,  1796. 

The  Annual  Convention  of  the  Episcopal  Church  of  the 
State  of  Vermont  met  according  to  appointment. 

Mr.  Eleazer  Baldwin  was  elected  President,  and  Truman 
Squier,  Secretary. 

The  following  Members  were  present,  viz. 

ARLINGTON : 

Caleb  Dayton,  Zadoc  Hard, 

Nathan  Canfield,  Esq.        Tyrus  Hurd. 

SANDGATE : 

Abraham  Bristol,  Theophilus  Hurd. 

MANCHESTER : 

Samuel  French,  Abel  Allis,  M.  D. 

BENNINGTON : 

George  McEleheron. 

BETHEL: 
Philander  Chase. 

On  motion,  Messrs.  Luther  Stone,  Peleg  Stone,  and  An- 
drew Hawley  were  invited  to  take  seats  in  the  Convention. 


JOimXAL-1796.  61 

Adjourned  until  the  afternoon  Service  is  performed. 

Met  according  to  adjournment. 

On  motion,  voted,  that  the  number  for  a  Standing  Com- 
mittee shall  be  seven  persons. 

The  following  Members  were  duly  chosen,  viz. 
The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,         Timothy  Durkee, 
The  Rev.  Russel  Catlin,  Stephen  Hard, 

The  Rev.  James  Nichols,  David  Lewis, 

Samuel  Bliss. 

Resolved  ;  That  a  Committee  of  two  persons  be  appointed 
to  attend  the  General  Convention.  The  vote  being  taken 
it  appeared  that  the  Rev.  Russel  Catlin  and  Col.  Matthew 
Lyon  were  duly  elected. 

Mr.  John  Whitlock  was  chosen  Treasurer. 

Mr.  Philander  Chase  produced  his  Credentials  of  his  char- 
acter and  his  profession  in  life,  wishing  to  be  admitted  a 
Deacon  in  Orders,  etc-  The  papers  of  Mr.  Chase  were  read  ; 
and,  by  the  Conventio,n  he  was  approved  of  for  a  Candidate 
to  be  admitted  into  Holy  Orders. 

Voted,  that  the  next  Convention  shall  meet  at  Manches- 
ter, and  that  Divine  Service  shall  begin  at  10  o'clock  fore- 
noon. 

The  Rev.  Russel  Catlin  was  nominated  and  requested  to 
preach  the  Sermon. 

Adjourned,  sine  die. 

Philander  Chase,  whose  name  appears  in  the  foregoing  journal 
as  a  candidate  for  Holy  Orders,  was  born  in  Cornish,  N.  H.,  De- 
cember 14,  1775.  He  entered  Dartmouth  College  in  1791  and 
graduated  in  1795.  During  his  college  course  he  became  ac- 
quainted with  the  Liturgy  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  was 
guided  in  his  enquiries  by  the  counsel  of  the  Rev.  Bethuel  Chit- 
tenden and  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Ogden.  Leaving  the  Congregational- 
ists,  he  became  a  decided  Churchman.  While  acting  as  a  school- 
master in  Bethel,  Vermont,  he  officiated  as  a  lay  reader  in  the  little 
parish  in  that  town.     He  pursued  his  theological  studies  at  Al- 


62  J0VR:KAL-1796. 

bany,  N.  Y.  In  1798,  Mr.  Chase  was  ordained  Deacon,  in  St. 
George's  Chapel,  New  York,  by  Bishop  Provost;  and  a  Priest,  by 
the  same,  November  10,  1799.  For  several  years  he  devoted  him- 
self, amidst  many  privations,  to  missionary  work  in  western  New 
York.  In  1805  he  went  to  New  Orleans  and  occupied  himself 
zealously  in  organizing  the  Church  in  that  city.  Returning  north 
in  1811,  he  became  the  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Hartford,  Conn. 
In  1817,  he  went  to  the  State  of  Ohio.  A  Diocese  having  been 
formed,  he  was  elected  Bishop  over  it  and  was  consecrated  in  St. 
James'  Church,  Philadelphia,  February  11,  1819.  In  1823  he 
visited  England  for  the  purpose  of  raising  funds  for  the  establish- 
ment of  a  College  and  Theological  Seminary  in  Ohio.  He  re- 
ceived donations  in  England,  to  the  amount  of  %  30,000.  On  his 
return,  in  1824,  he  purchased  8000  acres  of  land,  and  gave  to  the 
institution  which  he  founded,  the  name  of  Gambler  and  Kenyon, 
in  honor  of  two  English  noblemen.  On  account  of  difficulties 
and  misunderstandings  in  regard  to  the  management  of  this  prop- 
erty, he  resigned  the  episcopate  of  Ohio  in  1831.  From  Ohio  he 
removed  into  Michigan  and  engaged  in  missionary  work.  In 
1835  he  was  elected  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Illinois.  Soon  after 
this,  he  again  visited  England  and  collected  %  10,000  towards  pur- 
chasing land  and  founding  a  College.  In  1838  he  founded  Jubi- 
lee College  at  Robin's  Nest.  Here  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his 
life.  He  died  September  20,  1852.  Keenly  sagacious  in  reading 
character,  quick  in  availing  himself  of  opportunities,  full  of  zeal 
and  determination,  unwearied  in  laboring  for  the  cause  of  religion 
and  the  interests  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  Bishop  Chase  left  his 
impress  upon  the  western  country,  and  deserves  honorable  men- 
tion as  a  pioneer  bishop. 


JOVRXAL-1797-8.  63 

1797. 

Manchester,  Sept.  20th,  1797. 

The  Protestant  Episcopal  Convention  of  the  State  of 
Vermont  convened  at  the  dwelling-house  of  Doct.  Abel 
Allis,  in  said  Manchester. 

Eleazer  Baldwin  was  elected  President  and  Truman 
Squier,  Secretary. 

Elkanah  Cobb  was  appointed  Secretary,  pro  tem. 

Voted,  that  the  following  persons  be  appointed  a  Stand- 
ing Committee,  to  wit ; 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,    Job  Giddings,  Esq., 

The  Rev.  Russel  Catlin,  Capt.  Benoni  Smith, 

Samuel  Bliss,  Nathan  Canfield,  Esq. 

Stephen  Hard,  Esq., 

Job  Giddings,  Esq.  was,  also,  appointed  Treasurer. 

Voted,  that  the  Rev,  Amos  Pardee  and  Zadoc  Hard  be 
appointed  a  Committee  to  the  General  Convention,  at  Phil- 
adelphia. 

Voted,  that  the  next  Convention  should  be  holden  at 
Pawlet,  and  convene  at  the  dwelling-house  of  Capt.  Benoni 
Smith,  in  said  Pawlet. 

The  end  of  the  annual  Session  of  said  Convention. 

Attest,  Truman  Squier,  Sec'y  as  taken  from  Mr.  Cobb's 
Minutes. 


1798. 

Pawlet,  Sept.  19th,  1798. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Convention  of 
the  State  of  Vermont,  being  duly  convened  at  Capt.  Benoni 
Smith's  dwelling-house,  in  said  Pawlet,  the  Rev.  Ammi 
Rogers  read  prayers. 

Then  the  Convention  proceeded  to  elect  the  Rev.  Bethuel 
Chittenden,  President,  and  Truman  Squier,  Secretary. 


64  JOURMAL-1798. 

The  following  Members  were  present,  who  took  their  seats, 

to  wit. 

PAWLET: 

The  Rev.  Amos  Paedee,        Ceely  Brown. 
Capt.  Benoni  Smith, 

CASTLETON: 

John  Whitlock, 

WELLS: 

David  Lewis, 

MANCHESTER: 

Philo  Sperry, 

ARLINGTON : 

Caleb  Cayton.  * 

The  Rev.  Ammi  Rogers,  of  Ballston,  and  Philander  Chase 
of  Bethel,  and  Mr.  Abraham  Bristol  of  Glranville  were  in- 
vited to  take  seats  in  the  Convention. 

On  motion,  the  following  Members  were  chosen  Standing 
Committee  : 

The  Rev.  Bethnel  Chittenden,     Nathan  Canfield,  Esq., 

The  Rev.  Amos  Pardee,  Capt.  Benoni  Smith. 

Samuel  Bliss, 

Job  Giddings,  Esq.  was  chosen  Treasurer. 

A  Resolution  appointing  two  Members  to  attend  the  Gen- 
eral Convention  at  Philadelphia  was  passed.  The  Members 
chosen  were — 

The  Rev.  Amos  Pardee,  Zadoc  Hard. 

On  motion,  voted,  that  the  Secretary  be  requested  to  fur- 
nish a  Certificate,  to  each  of  the  Deputies  appointed  by  the 
Convention,  with  a  proper  seal  affixed  thereto,  signed  by 
himself  as  Secretary  to  the  Convention,  which  Certificate 
shall  be  considered  sufficient  evidence  of  their  appointment. 

On  Motion,  voted,  that  the  Secretary  be  directed  to  call 
a  Special  Meeting  of  this  Convention  by  Circular  Letters  to 
each  of  the  Parishes  within  his  knowledge,  to  have  them 
send  their  Delegates  to  attend,  if  he  finds  the  interest  of  the 
Church  to  require  it. 


JOVnKAL-1798.  ^^ 

The  Rev.  Ammi  Rogers  of  Ballston,  N.  Y.,  was  appointed, 
and  requested  to  preach  at  the  Convention  to  be  holden  at 
Manchester  on  the  3d  Wednesday  of  August  next. 

Adjourned,  sine  die. 

TRUMAN  SQUIER,  Secretary. 


The  vote  in  the  foregoing  Journal  in  regard  to  calling  a  Spe- 
cial Convention,  if  the  Secretary  should  deem  such  a  step  neces- 
sary, has  respect,  no  douht,  to  the  suit  of  the  Select  Men  of 
Manchester  against  the  Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  then  pending  in  the 
Circuit  Court  of  the  United  States.  This  was  a  suit  of  eject- 
ment brought  by  the  Select  Men  to  recover  the  Glebe,  which  was 
at  the  time  of  its  commencement  in  the  possession  of  Mr,  Barber. 
It  was  brought  under  the  Law  of  1794,  which  gave  the  Select 
Men  of  those  towns  in  which  there  were  Glebe  Rights,  power  to 
take  possession  of  them,  to  lease  them  for  a  term  of  years,  not 
exceeding  fourteen,  and  to  distribute  the  income,  in  case  there 
was  more  than  one  religious  teacher  in  the  respective  towns,  "  for 
the  support  of  such  teachers,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  rata- 
ble polls  belonging  to  the  respective  congregations,  and  residents 
in  such  towns." 

The  ground  taken  by  the  prosecution  was,  that  the  Glebe 
Grants  were  void  because  the  Grantees  named  in  the  Charter 
were  not  in  existence  to  receive.  Against  this  it  was  contended, 
that  at  the  time  of  the  Grants,  the  Church  of  England  had  a 
corporate  existence.  The  Court — Patterson,  Judge,  decided  in 
favor  of  the  defendant,  pronouncing  the  Act  of  1794  unconsti- 
tutional and  void.  No  appeal  was  taken  from  this  decision. 
Church  Review,  vol.  iv,  pp.  586,  587. 

But  inasmuch  as  the  early  decisions  in  the  Circuit  Court  were 
not  reported,  we  know  little  of  what  was  said  by  the  learned 
Judge.  He  is  reported  by  a  distinguished  jurist  to  have  remark- 
ed in  conclusion,  that  "  Legislatures  are  not  omnipotent.  They 
cannot  take  this  man's  pi'operty  arid  give  it  to  that  man."  In  his 
day  this  may  have  been  true.     Church  Review,  vol.  iv,  p.  587. 


66  JOUBJfAL-1798. 

Among  the  papers  belonging  to  the  Church  in  Manchester  the 
following  official  report  is  found  : 

"  Samuel  Pettibone  ex  dem~j 

Select  Men  of  Manchester    !  Judgt.  of  Cir.  Court, 
vs.  I  October  Term  1798. 

Daniel  Barber.  J 

Ejectment  for  lot  No.  44,  first  div.  100  acres  of  the  Glebe  in 
Manchester. 

Verdict,  that  the  deft,  is  not  guilty,  etc. 

Judgt.  for  deft,  to  receive  his  costs,  *  taxed  by  consent  at  forty- 
two  dollars  and  fifteen  cents.' 

Extract  from  the  record.  J.  GOVE,  Clk. 

June  23,  1823." 

In  obedience  to  the  above  Decision  at  the  Session  of  the  Leg- 
islature in  1799,  the  following  Act  was  passed,  repealing  the  Act 
of  1794. 

"  It  is  herehy  enacted  ly  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont, That  an  act,"  directing  the  use  of  the  rights  of  land  in  this 
State,  heretofore  granted  by  the  British  government,  as  glebes, 
for  the  benefit  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established, 
"  be,  and  hereby  is  repealed." 

Provided  nevertheless,  and  it  is  herehy  expressly  declared,  That  the 
repealing  clause,  aforesaid,  shall  not  be  construed  to  extend  to,  or 
in  any  way  affect,  any  person  or  persons  who  are  in  possession  of 
any  lot,  .belonging  to  such  glebe  right,  by  virtue  of  a  lease  from 
the  selectmen,  as  directed  by  law,  of  any  town,  where  any  such 
lands  lie.  And  it  is  hereby  declared,  that  the  selectmen,  where 
any  such  lands  lie,  are  prohibited  from  leasing  any  such  lands,  in 
future." 

This  act  was  passed,  November  5,  1799. 


JOURMAL-1799.  67 

1799. 

Manchester,  August  25th,  1799. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Convention  of 
the  State  of  Vermont,  being  duly  convened  at  said  Man- 
chester, on  the  third  Wednesday  of  August,  A.  D.  1799, 
the  Rev.  Amos  Pardee  read  prayers,  and  the  Rev.  Ammi 
Rogers,  of  Ballston,  preached  the  Sermon. 

Afterwards  the  Convention  proceeded  to  the  dwelling- 
house  of  Doct.  Abel  Allis  in  said  Manchester  ;  and  said 
Convention,  being  then  and  there  duly  met,  made  choice  of 
the  Rev.Bethuel  Chittenden,  President,  and  Truman  Squier, 
Secretary. 

The  following  Members  were  present  and  took  their  seats 

accordingly,  to  wit. 

ARLINGTON: 

Nathan  Oanfield,  Esq.        Caleb  Dayton, 
Zadog  Hard,  Andrew  Hawley. 

SANDGATE : 

Doct.  John  Watkins,  Capt.  Theop.  Ranson. 

SUNDERLAND ; 

Josiah  Lockwood. 

MANCHESTER: 

Job  Giddings,  Jabez  Hawley, 

Philo  Sperry,  Samuel  French. 

DORSET : 

Asa  Baldwin,  David  Gillett. 

RUPERT: 

Grove  Moore,  Esq. 

PAWLET: 

Celey  Brown,  Henry  Wooster. 

WELLS: 

David  Lewis. 

castleton: 
John  Whitlock. 

SALISBURY: 

Stephen  Hard,  Esq. 


68  JOURNAL-T799. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Rogers  of  Ballston,  Doct.  Smith  of  Still- 
water, Abijah  Hubbell  of  Salem,  and  Mr.  Whitlock  of  Balls- 
ton,  were  invited  to  take  seats  in  this  Convention, 

Also  on  motion,  voted,  that  Messrs.  Aaron  Gaylor  Ferris 
of  Sandgate,  John  French  of  Dorset,  Henry  Ballis,  Benjam- 
in Purdy  and  Alexander  Prindle  of  Manchester  be  invited 
to  take  seats. 

Job  Giddings,  Esqr.  was  duly  elected  Treasurer. 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,         Stephen  Hard,  Esqr., 

The  Rev,  Amos  Pardee,  John  Whitlock, 

The  Rev.  Russel  Catlin, 
were  elected  a  Standing  Committee. 

A  letter  from  William  Smith,  Secretary  of  the  Conven- 
tion of  the  Diocese  of  Connecticut,  written  by  the  order  of 
the  Bishop  and  Clergy  of  that  Diocese,  to  the  Standing 
Committee  of  the  Diocese  of  Vermont,  respecting  the  Rev. 
James  Nichols,  was  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for 
consideration. 

The  aforesaid  Letter  being  taken  up  and  read,  the  follow- 
ing Resolution  was  passed,  viz.  That  this  Convention  do 
disapprove  of  the  conduct  of  the  Rev.  James  Nichols,  and 
that  they  do  recommend  to  the  several  Churches  in  this 
State  not  to  employ  him  as  a  Clergyman  until  he  pro- 
cures a  Certificate  from  the  Standing  Committee  that  he 
has  reformed  his  conduct  and  that  he  will  do  honor  to  his 
profession. 

Messrs  Amos  Pardee  and  Truman  Squier  were  chosen 
Deputies  to  the  General  Convention,  and,  also,  a  Commit- 
tee to  form  a  Constitution  for  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  return  their  thanks  to  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Rogers  for  his  services ;  and  that  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Chittenden  and  Pardee  be  appointed  a  Committee  to  wait  on 
him  with  this  Resolution,  and  request  a  Copy  of  his  Sermon, 
this  day  delivered  before  the  Convention,  for  the  Press. 

There  being  no  further  business,  the  Convention  adjourn- 
ed to  the  third  Wednesday  in  August  next,  at  Arlington. 


JOXJRKAL-1800.  69 

1800. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Convention  of 
the  State  of  Vermont,  being  duly  convened  at  Arlington  on 
the  third  Wednesday  in  August,  A.  D.  1800,  the  Eev.  Dan- 
iel Barber  read  Prayers,  and  the  Eev.  Henry  Whitlock 
preached  the  Sermon. 

Afterwards  the  Convention  proceeded  to  the  usual  busi- 
ness of  the  Meeting.  The  Rev.  Daniel  Barber  was  chosen 
President  pro  tern.,  and  the  following  Members  took  their 
seats,  viz. 

SANDGATE : 

Theophilus  Ransom,  John  Watkins, 

TiiEOPHiLus  HuKD,  James  Beistol. 

MANCHESTER : 

Job  Giddings,  Joshua  French, 

Jabez  Hawley,  John  Richaedson. 

RUPERT : 

Grove  Moore,  Esq. 

ARLINGTON  : 

Zadock  Hard,  Tyrus  Hurd. 

CASTLETON : 

John  Whitlock. 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden  was  chosen  President  of 
the  Convention  for  the  year  ensuing,  and  Truman  Squier, 
Secretary. 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,  the  Rev.  Amos  Pardee, 
the  Rev.  Russell  Catlin,  John  Whitlock,  and  Bethuel 
Chittenden,  were  chosen  a  Standing  Committee. 

The  Rev.  Henry  Whitlock  and  Zadock  Hard  were  chosen 
Deputies  to  the  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  to  be  holden  at 
Trenton,  New  Jersey. 

Job  Giddings  was  appointed  the  Treasurer  of  the  Con- 
vention. 


70  JOUBJ^AL-1800. 

On  motion,  The  Articles  of  Faith  as  proposed  by  the 
General  Convention  were  read,     (a) 

Voted,  That  an  Application  be  made  to  the  Society  for 
the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  that  they 
will  be  pleased  to  give  a  power  of  Attorney  to  certain  Trus- 
tees in  this  State,  or  any  other  they  shall  choose,  for  the 
purpose  of  taking  the  avails  of  each  Right  of  Land,  granted 
to  them  in  this  State,  and  appropriating  the  same  to  the 
Church  Clergy  officiating  in  this  State,  in  such  proportion 
as  they  shall  direct,  or  in  any  other  way  they  shall  direct. 
Judge  Livermore,  of  Holderness,  N.  H., 
Nathaniel  Adams,  of  Portsmouth,  N.  H., 
Ambrose  Cosset,  of  Claremont,  N.  H., 
Truman  Squier,  of  Manchester,  Ver., 
Oliver  Gallup,  of  Hartland,  Ver., 
were  elected  and  recommended  as  Trustees,     (b) 

Voted,  to  appoint  a  committee  to  lease  the  Glebe  Lands, 
whereupon. 

Job  Giddings,  the  Rev.  Amos  Pardee,  Zadock  Hard,  Ste- 
phen Hard,  the  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,  Nathaniel  Bost- 
wickand  John  Newton,  were  appointed  such  a  Committee. 

Resolved,  by  this  Convention,  That  the  Secretary  make 
out  a  Power  of  Attorney  in  behalf  of  said  Convention, 
empowering  its  Committee  to  lease  said  Lands,     (c) 

Voted,  that  the  next  Meeting  of  this  Convention  be 
holden  at  Sandgate  on  the  third  Wednesday  in  August 
next ;  and  that  a  notice  of  said  Meeting  be  published  in  three 
different  Newspapers  two  months  previous  to  the  time  of 
the  next  Meeting.     Adjourned,  sine  die. 


(a.)  This  action  of  the  Convention  has  reference  to  what  was 
done  in  the  General  Convention  of  1799,  in  respect  to  Articles  of 
Religion. 

Saturday  June  15th,  1799,  in  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay 
Deputies,  ''  A  resolution  was  proposed  by  Mr.   Bisset,  that  the 


JOUBJfAL-lSOO.  71 

Convention  now  proceed  to  the  framing  of  Articles  of  Religion 
for  this  Church. 

The  question  was  taken  by  Yeas,  and  Nays,  as  follows  : 

Clergy :  Massachusetts,  No ;  Connecticut,  Yea ;  Rhode-Island. 
Yea;  New- York,  Yea;  New- Jersey,  Yea;  Pennsylvania,  Yea; 
Virginia,  No;  Delaware,  Yea. 

Laity:  Connecticut,  Yea;  New- Jersey,  Yea;  Pennsylvania, 
Yea ;  Virginia,  No. 

So  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  shall  consist  of  a  member  from 
each  State  now  represented,  who  were  chosen,  and  were  as  follows  : 

Massachusetts,  Dr.  Walter;  Connecticut,  Dr.  Smith;  New-York, 
Mr.  Bisset ;  New-Jersey,  Mr.  Waddell ;  Pennsylvania,  Dr.  An- 
drews; Delaware,  Mr.  Clay;  Virginia,  Dr.  Bracken." 

"Tuesday  Morning  June  18;  The  Chairman  of  the  Commit- 
tee on  the  Articles,  reported  seventeen  Articles  of  Religion,  which 
were  read.     Whereupon,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Bisset, 

Resolved  imanimously.  That  on  account  of  the  advanced  period 
of  the  present  session,  and  the  thinness  of  the  Convention,  the 
consideration  of  the  Articles  now  reported  and  read  be  postponed, 
and  that  the  Secretary  transcribe  the  Articles  into  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention,  to  lie  over  for  the  consideration  of  the  next 
General  Convention." 

(  b.)  No  information  is  now  possessed  in  regard  to  the  Appli- 
cation to  the  Propagation  Society  contemplated  by  this  vote.  It 
is  well  known,  however,  that,  if  it  was  made,  it  was  not  successful. 
This  decided  tone  and  action  by  the  Convention  in  regard  to  the 
lands  in  question,  shows  a  knowledge  of  the  rights  of  the  Church, 
and  a  calm  and  settled  purpose  to  secure  them.  Some  of  the 
members  of  this  Convention  were  men  that  could  not  easily  be 
intimidated  nor  effectually  baffled. 

( c.)  To  what  extent  this  Committee  acted  one  cannot  now 
tell.  The  probability  is  that  such  of  the  Glebe  Rights  as  were 
in  those  towns  in  which  there  was  an  Episcopal  Church  were  at 
once  leased.  We  learn  from  a  letter  of  the  Rev.  Amos  Pardee, 
written  in  1839,  giving  an  account  of  his  labors  in  Vermont,  that 
he  proceeded  to  lease  the  Glebe  Lands  in  those  parishes  under  his 
care  and  that  he  received  the  rents  of  the  same. 


72  JOVRNAL-1801. 

1801. 

The  Protestant  Episcopal  Convention  of  the  State  of 
Vermont  being  duly  convened  on  the  third  Wednesday  of 
August,  A,  D.  1801,  at  Sandgate,  proceeded  to  the  usual 
business  of  said  Meeting. 

Clergy  present : 
The  Kev.  Russell  Catlin,    The  Rev.  Amos  Pardee. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Catlin  read  Prayers,  and  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Pardee  preached  the  Sermon. 

The  Rev.  Russell  Catlin  was  chosen  President  pro  tern. 
Members  present : 

ARLINGTON. 

Nathan  Canfield,  Zadock  Hard. 

Curtis  Hawley,  ') 

James  Lockwood,        >  who  took  seats  by  Invitation. 
Caleb  Dayton,  \ 

SANDGATE. 
Aaron  G.  Ferris,  George  Peck, 

Theophilus  Ransom. 

MANCHESTER. 

Joshua  French,  Truman  Squier. 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden  was  reelected  President  for 
the  year  ensuing,  and  the  Rev.  Amos  Pardee  was  chosen 
Secretary. 

Job  Giddings  was  elected  Treasurer. 

Voted,  to  appoint  a  Standing  Committee. 

The  members  chosen  were. 
The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,         The  Rev.  Russel  Catlin, 
The  Rev.  Amos  Pardee. 

Voted,  to  appoint  Deputies  to  the  General  Convention 
to  be  holden  at  Trenton,  New  Jersey. 

The  members  chosen  were, 

The  Rev.  Amos  Pardee,  Truman  Squier. 


JOVBKAL—lSOl.  73 

Voted,  That  the  next  Annual  Convention  be  holden  at 
Kutland  in  the  County  of  Rutland,  on  the  Third  Wednes- 
day in  September,  1802,  and  that  the  time  of  said  Meeting 
be  duly  notified  by  advertisement  in  the  Bennington,  Rut- 
land, Vergennes  and  Windsor  Newspapers  six  weeks  next 
previous  to  said  meeting. 

Adjourned,  sine  die. 

Test.  TRUMAN  SQUIER,  Secretary. 


The  Deputies  of  the  General  Convention  appointed  by  this 
Meeting  did  not,  so  far  as  now  appears,  attend  to  the  duty  as- 
signed them.  During  the  Session  of  the  General  Convention  at 
Trenton,  there  was  a  matter  introduced  and  carried  through  of 
very  serious  import  to  the  Diocese  of  Vermont. 

Friday,  September  11th,  1801,  the  third  day  of  the  Session, — 
"  The  Rev.  Dr.  Parker,  Rev.  Mr.  Shelton,  and  James  Clark,  Esq. 
were  appointed  a  Committee  to  consider  certain  memorials  pre- 
sented to  this  House  from  Churches  in  New-Hampshire  and  Ver- 
mont, and  to  report  thereon." 

Saturday,  September  12th,  "  The  Committee  appointed  to  con- 
sider the  memorials  from  certain  Churches  in  New-Hampshire 
and  Vermont,  made  the  following  report,  which  was  read,  and 
unanimously  adopted,  viz : 

Report  of  the  Committee  : 

It  appears  from  the  memorials  of  certain  Churches  in  the  west- 
ern part  of  the  State  af  New-Hampshire,  and  the  eastern  part  of 
the  State  of  Vermont,  that,  having  agreed  to  and  adopted  the 
General  Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
United  States,  they  are  desirous  of  forming  a  junction,  and  unit- 
ing themselves,  for  the  purpose  of  holding  Conventions,  and 
effecting  a  due  organization  of  their  Churches ;  and,  on  account 
of  the  impracticability  of  joining  with  the  other  Churches  in  said 
respective  States,  they  are  desirous  of  being  considered  as  a  sepa- 
rate district.  Your  Committee  are  of  opinion,  that  the  8th  Canon 
of  1795,  mihtates  against  the   wishes  of  said  memorialists,  but 


74  JOTJRKAL-1801. 

that  their  local  situation  requires  a  dispensation  from  the  opera- 
tion of  said  Canon,  more  especially  as  many  valuable  tracts  of  land 
have  been  gi'anted  to  the  Episcopal  Church  in  those  towns,  and 
others  in  the  vicinity,  which  land  requires  the  attention  of  a  duly 
organized  Church  for  its  preservation  and  improvement.  Your 
Committee  are  therefore  of  opinion,  that,  from  their  peculiar  cir- 
cumstances, they  ought  to  be  allowed  to  put  themselves  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  a  Bishop  of  one  of  the  neighboring  States,  until  a 
Bishop  shall  be  duly  consecrated  and  settled  in  said  States,  as  the 
only  measure  that  can  relieve  them  under  their  peculiar  situation 
and  circumstances. 

(Signed  by  order,)     S.  PARKER." 

During  the  same  day  the  following  action  was  had  in  the  House 
of  Bishops  in  respect  to  the  subject  of  this  report:  "This  House 
received  from  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  applica- 
tions from  certain  Churches  of  New-Hampshire  and  Vermont, 
respecting  certain  arrangements  on  account  of  their  local  circum- 
stances, which  papers  were  accompanied  with  a  resolution  of  the 
House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  concerning  the  same.  This 
House  concurred  in  the  resolution." 

What  was  done  in  accordance  with  this  permission,  or,  as  it  is 
termed  by  the  New-Hampshire  Convention,  "dispensation  from 
the  eighth  Canon  of  1795,  granted  to  the  Rev.  Daniel  Barber," 
as  far  as  has  been  ascertained  is  here  inserted.  Although  the 
transactions  extend  through  several  years,  yet  it  is  deemed  best  to 
put  the  whole  together  in  this  place.  The  extracts  from  the  un- 
published Journals  of  the  Diocese  of  New-Hampshire  have  been 
kindly  made  by  the  Rev.  William  S.  Perry  then  of  Nashua. 

"  At  a  Convention  of  the  Clergy  and  Delegates  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Churches  in  New-Hampshire  held  at  Concord  the 
twenty-fifth  day  of  August  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thou- 
sand eight  hundred  and  two.  Present,  Reverend  Joseph  Willard, 
Rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  in  Portsmouth.  Honorable  James 
Sheafe  and  Nathaniel  Adams,  Esq.  Delegates  from  St.  John's 
Church,  Portsmouth ;  Reverend  Robert  Fowle,  Rector  of  the 
Church  in  Holderness.  Honorable  Arthur  Livermore  and  Rich- 
ard Shepard,  Esq.  Delegates  from  the  Church  in  Holderness  ; 
Reverend  Daniel  Barber,  Rector  of  the  Church  in  Claremont; 


JOURJ^AL-1801.  75 

Dudley  Chase,  Esq.  and  Mr.  Nathaniel  Hall,  Delegates  from  the 
Church  in  Cornish." 

*'  Honorable  Arthur  Livermore  was  appointed  Chairman  of  this 
Convention.  Nathaniel  Adams,  Esq.  was  appointed  Secretary  to 
the  Convention.  Rev.  Joseph  Willard,  Rev.  Daniel  Barber  and 
Nathaniel  Adams,  Esq.,  were  appointed  a  Committee  to  draw  up 
Rules  of  Order." 

After  the  Rules  of  Order,  reported  by  this  Committee  had  been 
adopted  by  the  Convention,  "  The  Rev.  Mr.  Barber  and  Dudley 
Chase,  Esq.,  produced  a  Vote  from  the  Convention  of  the  Church- 
es in  the  Western  part  of  New-Hampshire  and  Eastern  part  of 
Vermont,  authorizing  them  to  confer  with  this  Convention  on 
Buch  measures  as  may  probably  tend  to  unite  all  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Churches  within  the  two  States  in  one  Diocese.  Which 
being  duly  considered, 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Convention  that  they 
are  not  authorized  by  their  respective  Churches  to  act  upon  the 
above  measures." 

"Rev.  Mr.  Povvle,  Rev.  Mr.  Barber  and  Rev.  Mr.  Willard  were 
appointed  a  Committee  to  draw  up  a  Constitution  for  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Churches  in  New-Hampshire."  This  Committee 
reported  a  form  of  a  Constitution  which  was  adopted  and  signed 
by  the  members  of  the  Convention.  The  Rev.  Daniel  Barber  did 
not  sign  it :  The  delegates  from  the  Church  in  Cornish  did. 
Having  directed  the  Secretary  to  send  copies  of  the  Constitution 
to  the  several  Churches  in  the  State  for  approval  or  disapproval, 
the  Convention  adjourned. 

The  following  Letter  of  the  Rev.  Daniel  Barber  to  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Parker  of  Boston,  copied  by  the  Rev.  William  S.  Perry,  of 
Nashua,  N.  H.  from  the  original  in  his  posession,  affords  some  in- 
formation in  regard  to  the  course  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Barber,  and  the 
operations  of  this  ecclesiastical  organization  in  the  valley  of  the 
Connecticut. 

•'  Claremont,  October  18th,  1802. 

Reverend  and  Dear  Sir, — 

I  have  requested  Esquire  Dunbar  to  deliver  this.  He  is  a 
gentleman  of  reputation.  Any  civility  shewn  him  will  be  accept- 
ed as  done  to  myself. 


76  JOURJfJ.L-1801. 

The  active  part  you  took  at  the  General  Convention  in  favor  of 
our  Petition  to  be  constituted  a  District  with  the  Eastern  part  ofs 
Vermont  meets  my  warmest  gratitude.  By  it,  you  have  also  most 
effectually  secured  the  affection  and  esteem,  not  only  of  this 
Church,  but  all  those  in  the  Eastern  part  of  Vermont.  Bishop 
Bass,  by  his  imprudent  ordinations  has  done  us  much  harm.  It  is 
said  by  many,  he  will  ruin  the  Churches.  This  was  the  only  rea- 
son these  Churches  would  not  consent  to  join  Massachusetts,  thus 
being  under  one  Bishop.  It  was  observed  by  many  principal 
members  at  our  late  Convention,  '  was  Doctor  Parker  Bishop  we 
would  join  Massachusetts.'  For  the  present  we  have  put  our- 
selves under  Connecticut. 

It  would  be  extremely  pleasing,  if  you  could  make  a  visit  in 
this  part  of  the  Country.  As  to  the  present  situation  of  the 
Churches,  etc.,  I  shall  refer  you  to  Esqr.  Dunbar  who  is  a  mem- 
ber of  this  Church.  The  dissenting  minister  has  just  resigned, 
and  the  probability  is  the  parish  will  all  come  over  to  the  Church. 

I  wish,  if  convenient,  you  would  send  me  a  few  of  the  late  Ab- 
stracts from  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel.  I 
have  thoughts  of  making  application  to  the  said  Society  for  a 
right  or  two  of  their  Lands  in  Vermont  to  be  given  to  this 
Church.  What  think  you  of  it?  What  a  pity  that  so  much  prop- 
erty as  that  Society  holds  in  Vermont  should  lie  useless  and  un- 
improved for  the  purpose  for  which  it  was  granted. 

T  wish  you  would  give  me  your  thoughts  on  that  or  any  other 
topic  which  may  be  useful  or  in  any  measure  profitable. 

I  am  Dear  Sir,  With  the  highest  esteem. 

Your  Friend  and  Brother, 

DANIEL  BARBER.;' 
The  Reverend  Dr.  Parker. 

At  the  next  Convention  held  at  Concord  January  19,  1803,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Barber  was  not  in  attendance.  In  this  Convention, 
Ithamur  Chase,  Esq.  was  the  Delegate  from  Cornish.  The  Rev. 
Samuel  Mead,  Rector  of  the  Church  in  Alstead  was  present  in 
the  Convention,  and  elected  a  member  of  the  Standing  Commit- 
tee. After  the  appointment  of  Committees  "  to  take  possession 
of  all  the  Glebe  Lands  in  the  Counties  of  Cheshire,  Grafton  and 
Strafford,  and  to  lease  them  for  such  rents  and  for  such  term  of 


JOURMAL-1801.  77 

time  as  they  may  think  proper,  not  exceeding  ten  years,  the  fol- 
lowing votes  were  passed ; 

"  Voted,  That  the  Standing  Committee  be  desired  to  give  notice 
to  the  several  Churches  that  at  the  next  Convention  the  question 
will  be  considered  whether  an  invitation  shall  be  given  to  the 
Bishop  of  some  other  Diocese  to  visit  and  perform  the  Episcopal 
Office  in  this  State  as  occasion  shall  require." 

"  Voted,  That  the  Secretary  write  to  the  Church  in  Claremont, 
informing  them  that  the  Convention  are  desirous  of  an  union  of 
all  the  Churches  in  the  State,  and  wish  by  all  means  to  cultivate 
harmony  and  good  fellowship  among  them  and  request  their 
acceding  to  the  Constitution." 

In  1804,  the  Convention  of  New-Hampshire  met  at  Hopkinton. 
The  Standing  Committee  was  directed  to  address  a  Letter  to  the 
General  Convention,  informing  them  of  the  regular  organization 
of  the  Diocese,  and  requesting  that  "the  dispensation  granted  to 
the  Rev.  Daniel  Barber"  might  be  recalled.  For  some  reason, 
the  Committee  failed  to  do  the  duty  assigned  them.  In  the 
Convention  of  1807,  holden  at  Concord  on  the  third  Wednesday 
in  August,  a  vote  similar  to  that  of  1804,  was  passed.  Accord- 
ingly the  Standing  Committee  presented  before  the  General  Con- 
vention of  1808  the  following  communication: 

"To  the  Bishops,  the  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  in  General 
Convention  assembled : 
Right  Reverend,  Reverend  and  Beloved  : 

At  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Churches  in  the 
State  of  New-Hampshire  holden  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1804, 
the  Standing  Committee  of  that  year  were  authorized,  by  a  reso- 
lution for  that  purpose,  to  address  a  Letter  to  the  next  General 
Convention,  which  by  accident  was  not  complied  with.  A  similar 
one  was  passed  at  the  last  Convention  of  the  said  Church,  of  which 
the  inclosed  is  a  copy,  empowering  the  Standing  Committee  of 
the  present  year  to  perform  that  duty.  In  compliance  with  which 
they  have  now  the  pleasure  to  inform  the  General  Convention 
that  the  Churches  in  the  State  of  New-Hampshire  have  acceded 
to  the  general  Ecclesiastical  Constitution,  Canons  and  regulations 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  Amer- 


78  JOURJfAL-1801. 

ica ;  that  they  have  formed  an  Ecclesiastical  Constitution  for  the 
government  of  the  Episcopal  Churches  in  this  State,  and  that  a 
State  Convention  has  been  regularly  holden  conformably  thereto 
for  three  years  past.  But,  with  extreme  regret,  they  are  obliged 
to  say  that  a  Dispensation  from  the  eighth  Canon  of  1795,  granted 
to  the  Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  by  which  a  Convention  was  formed  in 
the  western  part  of  this  State,  and  the  eastern  part  of  the  state  of 
Vermont,  militates  greatly  against  the  harmony  of  the  Episcopal 
Churches  in  this  State.  It  was  granted  without  the  knowledge 
of  the  Churches  in  this  State  and  without  any  notice  that  such  a 
separation  was  desired  or  contemplated,  and,  of  course,  without 
their  concurrence.  It  causes  a  division  among  our  Churches, 
which  subjects  us  to  great  inconvenience,  especially  while  our 
numbers  are  small.  It  produces  a  contention  with  respect  to  the 
property  of  the  Churches  in  this  State  in  the  disposition  of  which 
we  suppose  the  General  Convention  could  have  no  authority  and 
we  believe  no  wish  to  interfere.  We  believe  that  the  General 
Convention  had  no  other  than  a  pure  and  benevolent  design  in 
granting  that  dispensation,  and,  therefore,  when  we  state  that  it 
has  been  in  its  effects  so  injurious  to  the  prosperity  and  happiness 
of  the  Episcopal  Churches  in  this  State,  we  have  reason  to  think 
and  confidently  hope,  that  the  obstacle  to  these  great  and  desira- 
ble ends  will  most  cordially  be  removed  by  the  General  Conven- 
tion, and  that  their  fatherly  affection  will  be  extended  to  us  by 
giving  the  eighth  Canon  above  mentioned  its  full  and  happy  effect 
on  our  Churches  in  this  State,  and  that  the  dispensation  may  be 
rescinded. 

In  compliance  with  the  16th  Canon  of  1789,  we  send  the  annu- 
al list  of  Churches  in  this  State. 

With  high  respect  and  sentiments  of  duty  we  are,  etc., 

Robert  Fowle,         Arthur  Livermorb, 
James  Sheafe,         Nathaniel  Adams, 

Standing-Committee  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Churches  in 
New-Hampshire." 

This  ecclesiastical  organization  appears,  from  the  preceding 
extracts,  to  have  included  only  one  Parish  on  the  New-Hampshire 
side  of  the  Connecticut.  It  is  not  now  known  how  many  parishes 
on  the  Vermont  side  were  embraced  in  it.     Something  material 


JOURjYAL-ISOI.  79 

may  be  gathered  from  the  Records  of  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows 
Falls.     Several  extracts  will  be  given. 

"Rockingham,  July  30,  1801.  The  members  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Society  in  Rockingham  are  hereby  notified  to  meet  at 
the  dwelling-house  of  S.  Cutler,  on  Saturday  the  8th  of  August 
next,  at  G  o'clock,  P.  M.  to  choose  Delegates  to  meet  with  a  Con- 
vention to  be  holden  at  Claremont  on  the  14th  of  the  same  month, 
for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  union  of  the  several  Episcopal  Socie- 
ties in  New-Hampshire,  on  the  east,  and  Vermont  on  the  west  side 
of  the  Connecticut  River ;  and,  also,  for  the  purpose  of  adopting 
the  Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the 
United  States. 

Signed,  ALEXANDER  CAMPBELL,  Clerk." 

Written  in  pencil  under  this  warrant;  "No  minutes  of  this 
meeting  to  be  found.     A.  F."     Records,  p.  24. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Society  regularly  called  April  11,  1803, 
after  other  acts  the  following  votes  were  passed  ; 

"  Voted,  That  William  Page,  Dr.  Campbell,  Peter  Evans,  and 
Samuel  Cutler  be  Members  to  sit  in  Convention  to  be  holden  at 
Rockingham,  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  September  next." 

"  Voted,  That  Samuel  Cutler  make  provision  for  the  entertain- 
ment of  the  members  of  the  Convention." 

Signed,  SAMUEL  CUTLER,  Clerk. 
Records,  p.  19. 

At  an  adjourned  annual  meeting  held  June  5,  1804,  the  sixth 
item  of  business  transacted  is  noted  as  follows : 

"  Appointed  Dr.  Campbell,  Peter  Evans  and  Samuel  Cutler, 
Members  to  attend  the  General  Convention  to  be  holden  at  Wea- 
thersfield  in  August  next."     Records,  p.  19. 

June  4,  1805,  at  an  adjourned  annual  meeting,  the  sixth  item 
of  business  recorded  is  the  following : 

"Appointed  Dr.  Campbell,  Peter  Evans,  Dr.  Page  and  Samuel 
Cutler,  Members  to  attend  the  General  Convention  to  be  holden 
at  Westminster  on  the  last  Wednesday  of  August  next."  Rec- 
ords, p.  20. 

At  an  adjourned  meeting  August  4,  1806,  "  appointed  Dr. 
Campbell,  Peter  Evans,  and  Samuel  Cutler,  Members  to  attend 


80  JOURJfAL-1801. 

the  General  Convention  to  Le  liolden  at  Claremont  the  present 
year."     Records,  p.  21. 

August  12,  1807,  the  sixth  and  seventh  items  of  business 
transacted  in  the  Parish  meeting  were  the  following : 

"  Chose  Peter  Evans,  Alexander  Campbell  and  Quartus  Mor- 
gan, Delegates  to  attend  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Churches  to  be  holden  at  Hartland,  on  the  3d  Wednesday 
in  September  next." 

'*  Voted,  That  fifteen  Dollars  be  ..appropriated  to  defray  the 
expenses  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bp.  Jarvis  in  attending  the  Churches 
in  September  next,  and  that  the  Wardens  be  authorized  to  draw 
it  from  the  Treasury."     Records,  pp.  22,  23. 

The  parish  meeting  August  13,  1808,  "  chose  Deacon  Evans, 
Dr.  A.  Campbell,  Alex.  Byington  and  Samuel  Cutler  to  attend 
the  Convention  to  be  holden  at  Rockingham  on  the  third  Wed- 
nesday of  September  next."     Records,  pp.  23,  24. 

The  parish  meeting  August  19,  1809,  "  chose  Dr.  Campbell, 
Peter  Evans,  Peter  Evans  jr.,  and  Solomon  Hapgood,  Delegates 
to  the  Annual  Convention."  The  Record  is  the  same  for  August 
23,  1810.     Records,  pp.  31,  33. 

The  parish  meeting  September  4,  1811,  "  chose  Dr.  Campbell, 
Samuel  Cutler  and  Peter  Evans  to  represent  the  Society  in  any 
Episcopal  Convention  that  may  be  holden  in  Vermont  the  en- 
suing year."     Records,  p.  35. 

The  action  and  phraseology  are  nearly  the  same  as  that  under 
the  last  date,  for  several  years  subsequently. 

The  following  extracts  from  the  Records  of  the  Parish  in 
Weathersfield  may  properly  be  inserted  here  as  adding  somewhat 
to  our  knowledge  of  this  anomalous  and  ill-advised  ecclesiastical 
organization. 

The  Parish  meeting,  at  Weathersfield,  July  7th,  1802,  "  Voted 
and  chose  Oliver  Kidder,  Zenas  Clark,  Nathaniel  Stoughton,  Esq. 
and  Amos  Cole,  Delegates  to  sit  in  the  Convention  at  Claremont 
in  August  or  September  next." 

April  14th,  1803,  the  Parish  meeting,  "Voted  and  chose  Zenas 
Clark  and  Nathaniel  Stoughton,  Delegates  to  sit  in  the  Conven- 
tion at  Rockingham  in  September  next." 

May  7th,  1804,  The  Parish  meeting,  "  Voted  and  chose  Oliver 


JOURJfAL-1801.  81 

Kidder  and  Zeuas  Clark,  Delegates."  The  warning  for  this 
meeting  spoke  of  the  "  Convention  to  be  holden  at  Weathersfield 
in  the  State  of  Vermont  on  the  last  Wednesday  of  August 
next." 

Having  regard  to  the  foregoing  notes,  we  may  conclude  that 
in  Vermont  there  were  three  parishes  connected  with  this  organ- 
ization, viz.  Eockingham,  Weathersfield  and  Westminster.  Per- 
haps Hartland  should  be  included.  Conventions  appear  to  have 
been  holden  as  follows:  at  Claremont,  N.  H.  August  14th,  1801> 
and  August  or  September,  1802;  at  Eockingham,  Vt.  on  the 
1st  Wednesday  in  September,  1803 ;  at  Weathersfield  on  the  last 
Wednesday  in  August,  1804;  at  Westminster  on  the  last  Wed- 
nesday in  August,  1805;  at  Claremont  in  1806;  at  Hartland  on 
the  third  Wednesday  in  September,  1807;  at  Eockingham  on  the 
third  Wednesday  in  September,  1808. 

The  action  of  the  General  Convention  of  1808,  taken  in  con- 
sequence of  the  memorial  from  the  New-Hampshire  Convention, 
seems  to  have  broken  up  this  ecclesiastical  association  in  the  val- 
ley of  the  Connecticut.  The  course  of  action  adopted  by  the 
Church  in  New-Hampshire  and  Vermont  appears  to  have  been 
courteous  and  conciliatory.  By  the  Convention  of  New-Hamp- 
shire, holden  at  Concord,  in  August,  1808,  the  Eev.  Daniel  Bar- 
ber, though  he  was  not  present  in  it,  was  appointed  one  of  the 
Standing  Committee.  At  the  Convention  of  1809,  the  Eev,  Mr. 
Barber  was  present  and  elected  a  member  of  the  Standing  Com- 
mittee and  invited  to  preach  before  the  next  Convention.  In  the 
Eecord  of  that  Convention,  Mr.  Barber's  name  stands  at  the  head 
of  the  Standing  Committee,  as  though  he  was  the  President. 
Mr.  Barber  attended  the  Convention  of  1810,  preached  and  was 
elected  President  of  the  Standing  Committee.  Journals  Gen. 
Con.  vol.  i,  pp.  340,  343,  355,  356. 

The  following  memorandum  may  be  of  use  to  those  who  care  to 
understand  the  relation  formerly  existing  between  the  Churches 
in  Vermont  and  to  observe  the  effect  of  the  disunion  sentiment, 
and  the  gradual  return  of  the  Churches  to  better  views  and 
conduct. 


82  JOURJ^AL-lSOl. 

In  the  Convention  at  Arlington,  1790,  Jesse  Gilbert,  of  Weatli- 
ersfield  was  present  as  a  delegate.  Reptemher  18,  1793,  the  Con- 
vention met  at  Pawlet.  The  Eev.  J.  C.  Ogden  of  Hartland  was 
present.  September  21,  1796,  the  Convention  met  at  Arlington. 
Philander  Chase  was  present  as  a  Delegate  from  Bethel,  and  Sam- 
uel Bliss  of  Strafford  was  appointed  a  member  of  the  Standing 
Committee.  He  was  elected  to  the  same  office  by  the  Convention 
at  Manchester  September  20,  1797.  In  the  Convention  at  Pawlet, 
September  19,  1798,  Philander  Chase  of  Bethel  was  present,  and 
Samuel  Bliss  was  again  appointed  a  member  of  the  Standing 
Committee.  By  the  Convention  at  Arlington,  on  the  third  Wed- 
nesday of  August  1800,  Oliver  Gallup,  of  Hartland,  was  proposed 
as  one  of  the  Trustees  to  receive  a  conveyance  of  the  Society 
Lands.  In  1807,  the  Convention  was  appointed  at  Hartland  on 
the  third  Wednesday  in  September.  This  appointment,  either  by 
accident  or  design,  agreed  with  the  time  set  for  the  Connecticut 
Valley  Convention  at  the  same  place.  "A  few  members  only 
being  present,  no  business  was  done,"  and  the  Convention  adjourn- 
ed to  meet  at  Rutland  on  the  7th  of  October.  At  this  adjourned 
meeting  no  Delegate  was  present  from  the  east  side  of  the  Mount- 
ain. August  29,  1810,  the  Convention  met  at  Middlebury,  adopt- 
ed a  new  Constitution  for  the  Convention  of  this  State,  and  the 
proposed  Constitution  of  the  Eastern  Diocese.  No  list  of  the 
members  of  this  Convention  was  preserved.  The  facts,  that  the 
Hon.  Dudley  Chase  and  Dr.  Edward  Campbell  were  chosen  mem- 
bers of  the  Standing  Committee,  and  that  Dr.  Samuel  Cutler  of 
Eockingham,  appointed  by  the  parish  in  that  town  to  represent  it 
"  in  any  Episcopal  Convention  in  Vermont "  during  that  year,  was 
elected  one  of  the  Deputies  to  the  General  Convention  of  1811, 
from  this  Diocese,  may  indicate  that  these  gentlemen  were  present 
as  Delegates.  In  the  Convention  at  Wells,  June  26,  1811,  which 
was  attended  by  Bishop  Griswold,  no  Delegate  was  in  attendance 
from  the  eastern  part  of  the  State;  but  the  name  of  Dudley  Chase 
appears  in  the  Standing  Committee  for  the  year  ensuing.  In  the 
Convention  at  Fairfield,  June  22,  1814,  no  Delegate  from  the 
eastern  side  of  the  State  was  present.  Dr.  Samuel  Cutler,  how- 
ever, was  appointed  one  of  the  Delegates  to  the  Diocesan  Conven- 
tion.    In  the  Convention  at  Vergennes,  June  26,  1816,  no  Dele- 


•   JOUBJfAL-1802.  83 

gates  from  the  eastern  side  of  the  Mountain  were  present.  The 
Hon.  Dudley  Chase  and  the  Hon.  Jonathan  H.  Hubbard  were, 
however,  appointed  Delegates  to  the  Convention  of  the  Eastern 
Diocese,  and  Thomas  Leverett  Esq.  as  a  substitute  for  Mr.  Hub- 
bard. In  the  Convention  at  Middlebury  on  the  fourth  Tuesday  in 
June,  1817,  Windsor  was  for  the  first  time  represented — Thomas 
Thomas  Esq.  being  a  Delegate,  and  the  Eev.  George  Leonard  be- 
ing present  as  an  invited  member.  In  the  Convention  at  Windsor, 
May  22,  1818,  the  Eev.  George  Leonard  and  the  Hon.  J.  H.  Hub- 
bard were  present  as  members.  The  Eev.  George  T.  Chapman 
and  James  Iredell  Cutler  were  present,  also,  as  members  from 
Bellows  Falls. 


1802. 

EuTLAND,  September  ISth,  1802. 

The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  State  of  Vermont  met  agreeable  to  appointment. 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden  read  Prayers  and  the  Rev. 
Abraham  Bronson  of  the  Diocese  of  Connecticut  delivered 
a  Sermon. 

Members  present : 

SHELBURN: 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden. 

RUTLAND: 

Darius  Chipman,  Esq.,         John  A.  Graham,  Esq., 
Major  William  Lee,  Capt.  David  Tuttle, 

Mr.  Daniel  Haskins, 

CLARENDEN : 

Jonathan  Parker,  Jr.,  Esq. 

CASTLETON : 

Mr.  John  Whitlock. 

WELLS : 

Stephen  Clarke,  Esq. 


84  JOUEJfAL-1802. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson  of  the  Diocese  of  Connecticut  was 
requested  to  sit  as  a  Member  of  this  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden  was  elected  President,  and 
the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Secretary,  pro  tern. 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  presented 
to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson  for  his  Sermon  this  day  delivered 
before  the  Convention. 

Voted,  That  the  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,  the  Rev  Rus- 
sel  Catlin  and  Stephen  Hard,  Esq.  of  Salisbury,  be  the 
Standing  Committee  of  this  Convention  for  the  ensuing 

year. 

Voted,  That  Truman  Squier,  Esq.  be  the  Secretary  of 
this  Convention  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Voted,  That  the  next  Meetihg  of  the  Convention  of  this 
Church  be  held  at  the  house  of  David  Lewis  in  Wells. 
Adjourned. 

Test. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON, 

Secretary  pro  tem. 


A  name  appears  for  the  first  time  in  the  records  of  the  Chutch 
in  Vermont  in  the  foregoing  meagre  account  of  the  Convention 
at  Rutland  which  should  ever  be  had  in  honor — that  of  Abraham 
Bronson,  then  a  young  man.  In  subsequent  years  of  much  de- 
pression, uncertainty  and  keen  conflict  with  the  civil  power,  his 
name  to  Churchmen  was  a  tower  of  strength.  The  Church  in 
Vermont  owes  to  no  man  so  much  of  gratitude  as  to  him.  By  his 
sagacity,  prudence,  zeal  and  calm  decision,  he  led  it  safely  through 
much  difficulty ;  and  he  had  the  satisfaction  in  a  few  years  of 
seeing  it  firmly  established  and  prosperous. 

The  following  paragraph  from  Mr.  Bronson's  Historical  Letters, 
respecting  the  time  of  this  Convention,  may  be  here  appropriate. 

"  The  Rev.  Amos  Pardee,  an  acquaintance  and  distant  connec- 
tion of  mine,  had  for  several  years  been  officiating  in  Vermont, 
but  in  1801,  was  called  to  Lanesborough,  Mass.  Early  the  next 
Summer,  learning  that  I  had  left  Rhode  Island,  he  invited  me  to 


JOVBXAL-1802.  85 

visit  him,  with  a  view  to  a  settlement  at  the  north.  In  September, 
I  took  the  proposed  journey,  visited  Arlington,  Manchester  and 
Wells,  found  Mr.  Chittenden  at  Castleton  and  assisted  him  to  hold 
a  Convention,  with  a  few  Lay  delegates  at  Rutland.  The  state 
of  the  Church  was  everywhere  sufficiently  discouraging.  The 
two  societies  in  Arlington  and  Manchester,  about  ten  miles  dis- 
tant from  each  other,  had  Glebes,  which  together  might  be  worth 
180  dollars  a  year;  and  the  few  Churchmen  in  both  places,  might 
contribute  about  %  120,  more.  Wells  and  Pawlet  with  Hampton, 
N.  Y.  were  in  some  better  situation.  But  as  Mr.  Chittenden  was 
able  to  spend  some  three  or  four  months  in  the  year  with  them, 
it  appeared  most  suitable  that  I  should  decline  the  invitation  to 
remain  there,  and  should  take  charge  of  the  two  former  societies, 
which  were  entirely  destitute  of  public  worship.  In  Manchester 
I  was  engaged  permanently  for  one  share  of  the  time  and  in 
Arlington  by  the  year  for  the  other ;  and  this  engagement  in  the 
latter  place  was  renewed  annually  for  23  years.  But  I  took  up 
my  residence  in  the  former  place  on  account  of  the  permanent 
engagement,"  Episcopal  Recorder,  Feb.  21,  1835.  Gambier 
Observer,  Oct.  17,  1834. 

During  the  Session  of  the  Legislature  at  Burlington  in  the 
Fall  of  1802,  a  renewed  effort  was  made  to  sequester  the  Glebe 
Reservations.  As  a  part  of  the  history  of  the  time,  what  was 
said  and  attempted,  by  resolutions  and  reports  in  that  Assembly, 
is  here  transcribed  from  the  Journal. 

Thursday,  October  28th,  Mr.  Undey  Hay  of  Underbill  offered 
in  the  House  the  following  preamble  and  resolution  :  "  Whereas 
some  of  the  public  rights  of  land,  in  sundry  towns  within  this 
state,  are  become  very  valuable,  and  would  be  immediately  occu- 
pied, did  not  doubts  arise  as  to  the  power  of  selling  or  leasing 
the  same : 

Resolved,  That  a  Committee,  consisting  of  a  member  from 
each  county,  be  appointed,  to  examine  into  the  situation  of  those 
rights,  state  the  facts  arising  from  that  examination,  and  make 
report  to  this  House  what,  in  their  opinion,  ought  to  be  done,  to 
remedy  the  above  defect. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Moses  Robinson,  Mr.  Samuel  Porter,  Mr. 
Chauncey  Smith,  Mr.   Aldeu    Spooner,  Mr.   Daniel   Smith,   Mr. 


86  JOURJ^AL-1802. 

Jonathan  Fisk,  Mr.  Undey  Hay,  Mr.  Reuben  Blanchard,  Mr.  Levi 
House,  Mr.  Jesse  Olds,  and  Mr.  Hains  French,  be  the  Members 
of  said  Committee."     Journal,  1802.  p.  144. 

Saturday,  November  6th,  "  On  Motion,  Mr.  Charles  Rich  was 
appointed  a  member  of  the  Committee  upon  the  resolution  res- 
pecting public  lands,  in  room  of  Mr.  Daniel  Smith,  absent. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Committee  join  such  Committee  as  the 
Governor  and  Council  may  appoint."    Journal,  1802,  pp,  227,  228. 

"  The  Committee  appointed  upon  the  Resolution  respecting 
the  Public  Lands,  made  the  following  Report : 

Burlington,  Nov.  10,  1802. 
To  the  Honorable  General  Assembly  now  in  Session : 

Your  Committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  consideration  of 
this  resolution,  have  duly  attended  to  the  business  of  our  appoint- 
ment, so  far  as  the  scanty  portion  of  time,  and  the  exigences  of 
other  legislative  business  would  admit.  We  have  directed  our 
enquiry  to  the  two  rights  of  land,  contained  in  the  several  New- 
Hampshire  grants  in  this  State,  to  wit,  the  rights  known  by  the 
name  of  the  Society,  or  Propagation  Rights,  and  the  rights 
known  by  the  name  of  the  Glebe  Rights.  As  to  the  first  men- 
tioned rights,  we  find  that  they  were  granted,  in  trust,  to  a  Socie- 
ty in  Great  Britain,  for  the  purpose  of  the  propagation  of  the 
Gospel  in  foreign  parts  :  We  also  find  that  by  an  Act  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  this  State,  passed  October  30,  1794,  it  was 
considered,  that  as  the  aforesaid  Society  was  a  Corporation  created 
by,  and  existing  within,  a  foreign  jurisdiction,  to  which  alone 
they  were  amenable,  by  reason  whereof,  and  on  the  principles  of 
the  revolution,  the  said  lands  became  vested  in  this  State,  and 
by  the  said  Act  the  said  land  was  granted  to  the  several  towns  in 
which  such  lands  lay,  for  the  sole  use  of  schools  in  said  towns; 
which  said  Act  of  the  Legislature  remains  in  full  force.  And,  in 
the  opinion  of  your  Committee,  the  said  Act  was  passed  on  prin- 
ciples of  sound  policy,  and  consistent  with  the  law  of  nations, 
and  society.  And  we  further  find,  that  an  Act  of  the  Legislature, 
at  their  Session  aforesaid,  did  grant  and  appropriate  the  rights 
denominated  and  known  by  the  name  of  the  Glebe  Lands,  to  the 
several  towns,  for  the  purpose  of  the  support  of  religious  worship 


JO  URXAL-1802.  87 

in  the  several  towns,  in  which  such  lands  ditl  lie ;  and  the  said 
Legislature  have,  by  a  subsequent  Act,  repealed  the  Act  last 
aforesaid,  without  making  any  provision  for  the  further  care  of 
said  rights,  or  appropriating  the  avails  arising  therefrom. 
And  we  find  that  there  are  persons  in  possession  of  some  of  said 
lands,  without  any  claim  thereto,  and  are  making  great  waste 
thereon,  and  not  liable  to  account  with  any  person  or  society 
therefor,  and  that,  in  some  instances  persons  in  clerical  orders  in 
the  Episcopal  Church  are,  without  having  the  authority  of  law 
therefor,  leasing  out,  or  endeavour  to  lease  out  the  aforesaid 
Glebe  Laud,  which  if  suffered,  the  avails  of  said  rights  will  be 
appropriated  perhaps,  directly  m  opposition  to  the  principles  of 
our  government,  as  established  by  constitution. 

And  it  is  farther  the  opinion  of  your  Committee,  that,  as  the 
Glebes  were  granted  under  the  authority  of  Great  Britain,  and 
for  the  sole  purpose  of  snpporting  the  National  Religion  of  that 
Kingdom,  as  established  by  law,  and  we  do  consider,  that  on  the 
principles  of  our  Revolution,  and  the  Treaty  of  1783,  between 
the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  all  jurisdiction  was  relin- 
quished by  that  government,  and  of  course  all  claim  to  property 
sequestered  or  granted  for  national,  public  or  pious  uses,  given 
up ;  and  as  the  laws  of  a  foreign  country  or  state,  for  establishing 
a  Church  or  national  Religion,  can  have  no  effect  within  our 
government,  neither  by  the  law  of  nations,  or  any  existing  treaty, 
nor  consistent  with  the  principles  of  our  government:  Therefore 
we  do  report  as  our  opinion,  that  the  said  Glebe  Lands  are  vested 
in,  and  at  the  disposal  of  this  State ;  and  do  further  report,  that 
in  our  opinion  the  said  Glebe  Land  ought  to  be  granted  and  ap- 
propriated to  and  for  the  use  of  County  Grammar  Schools,  in  the 
several  counties  in  which  such  lands  lie. 

PAUL  BRIGHAM,  for  Committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  accepted. 

Mr.  Undey  Hay  moved  that  a  Committee  be  appointed,  to 
prepare  and  report  a  Bill  agreeably  thereto.  The  question  being 
taken  upon  this  motion,  it  passed  in  the  negative. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Theophilus  Harrington,  of  Clarendon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  report  be  referred  to  the  next  Session 
of  the  General  Assembly."     Journal,  1802,  pp.  264,  265,  266. 


88  JOVRKAL-1803. 

In  1802,  Paul  Brigham  was  the  Lieutenant  Governor.  This 
fact  gives  to  the  foregoing  remarkable  document  a  sort  of  official 
dignity  and  importance. 


1803. 

At  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of 
the  State  of  Vermont  holden  at  Wells  on  Wednesday  the 
21st  day  of  September,  the  following  Members  were  present, 
viz. 

The  Kev.  Bethuel  Chittenden, 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson. 

ARLINGTON: 

Zadock  Hard,  Esq.,  Mr.  Caleb  Dayton. 

PAWLET: 

Mr.  Henry  Wooster,  Jun. 

TINMOUTH : 
Mr.  Abraham  Gillett,  Mr.  Elihu  Andrews. 

CASTLETON : 
Mr.  John  Whitlock. 

RUPERT: 

Mr.  James  Linn, 

WELLS  : 

Stephen  Clark,  Esq.,  Mr.  Robbert  Hotchkiss, 

Mr.  David  Lewis,  and  others. 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden  was  chosen  President,  and 
the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Secretary. 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,  the  Rev.  Abraham  Bron- 
son, Mr.  David  Lewis,  and  Mr.  Zadock  Hard  were  appoint- 
ed the  Standing  Committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Convention  of  the  Church  in 
this  State  be  held  at  Manchester,  on  the  third  Wednesday 
of  September  next. 

Adjourned. 

Test.        ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  -  Secretary. 


JOURJrJiL-1803.  89 

In  the  General  Assembly  of  Vermont,  holden  at  Westminster 
in  the  Fall  of  1803,  the  subject  of  the  Glebe  Lands  was  again 
brought  up  and  an  effort  made  to  sequester  them  for  the  use  and 
benefit  of  Schools. 

Wednesday,  October  17th.  The  Eeport  of  a  Committee  rela- 
tive to  the  public  lands,  referred  from  the  last  Session  of  the 
General  Assembly,  was  called  up,  and  referred  to  a  Committee  of 
five,  to  join  with  a  Committee  of  Council." 

Members  chosen:  Lewis  R.  Morris,  Springfield;  Amos  Marsh, 
Vergennes ;  Undey  Hay,  Underbill ;  Jonathan  Baker,  Arlington ; 
Samuel  C.  Crafts,  Craftsbury.     Journal,  1803,  p.  43. 

Tuesday,  November  1st.  "The  Committee  to  whom  was  re- 
ferred the  report  of  a  committee  on  the  subject  of  public  lands, 
heretofore  granted  by  the  British  Government  as  Glebes,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Church  of  England,  referred  from  the  last  Session, 
made  the  following  Report. 

Westminster,  November  1,  1803. 
To  the  General  Assembly  now  sitting : 

Your  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  consideration  of 
the  within  Report,  having  attended  to  the  subject  matter  thereof, 
are  of  opinion,  that  the  Glebe  Lands  therein  mentioned  were 
either  never  vested  in  any  person  or  body  by  the  British  Govern- 
ment, or  if  they  were,  that  the  property  ceased  at  the  severance 
of  the  United  States  from  the  British  Empire,  and  that  they 
ought  to  be  applied  to  the  support  of  town  schools  in  the  several 
towns,  in  which  they  respectively  lie,  under  such  restrictions  and 
regulations  as  the  Assembly  shall  see  fit. 

Which  Report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  made  the  order  of 
the  day  for  Thursday  afternoon."     Journal,  1803,  p.  169. 

Saturday,  November  5th.  "The  Committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  Report  of  a  committe  of  the  last  Session  of  the 
Assembly,  respecting  Public  Lands,  made  report  thereon,  which 
was  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  recommitted."  Journal,  1803, 
p.  200. 

"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Petition  respecting 
the  disposal  of  the  Public  Lands,  made  report  thereon,  which  was 
read  and  accepted.     Whereupon,  A  Bill,  entitled  an  Act  directing 


90  JOURXAL-1803. 

the  uses  of  the  rights  of  land  in  this  State,  heretofore  granted  by 
the  British  Government,  as  Glebes  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church 
of  England,  as  by  Law  established,  was  read  and  ordered  to  lie 
on  the  table  as  order  of  the  day  for  to-morrow  afternoon."  Tues- 
day Xov.  8th.     Journal,  1803,  p.  238. 

The  Petition  spoken  of  above  has  not  been  identified.  There 
are  a  great  many  petitions  mentioned  in  the  Journal  of  this  year 
as  being  introduced,  read  and  referred  without  any  indication  of 
what  was  asked  for. 

Thursday,  November  10th.  "  A  Bill  entitled  an  Act  directing 
the  uses  of  the  rights  of  land  in  this  State,  heretofore  granted  by 
the  British  Government,  as  Glebes  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church 
of  England,  as  by  law  established,  with  the  amendment  proposed 
by  the  Committee  to  whom  it  was  referred,  was  read  and  accepted ; 
and  on  the  question,  shall  the  Bill  pass,  the  yeas  and  nays,  being 
demanded  by  Mr.  Jonathan  Baker,  were  : 

Yeas — Messrs  John  Anderson,  Ira;  Joseph  Armingtou,  Water- 
ford;  Zenas  Allen,  Tinmouth;  Timothy  Allen,  South-Hero; 
Elijah  Bailey,  Reedsboro;  Sylvester  Bishop,  Marlboro;  Samuel 
Boutel,  Stratton ;  Asa  Briggs,  Plymouth ;  Joshua  Bailey,  New- 
bury; Joel  Brownson,  Richmond;  Joseph  Beeman,  Fairfax; 
Beech, ; Brown, ;  Timothy  Castle,  Wilming- 
ton ;  Oliver  Church,  Fairhaven  ;  Timothy  Cruttenden,  Poultney ; 
Benjamin  Clap,  Barnard;  Asahel  Chamberlin,  Strafford;  Jesse  P. 
Carpenter,  Huntington ;  John  Cameron,  Ryegate ;  Ithiel  Cargill, 
Brunswick;  Benajah  Douglass,  Brandon;  Daniel  Dana,  Guildhall; 
Mills  De  Forest,  Lemington;  Isaac  Eddy,  Pittsfield ;  Enoch 
Emmerson,  Rochester;  Benjamin  Emmons,  Woodstock;  Seth 
Emmons,  Vineyard ;  Theophilus  Flagg,  Hubbardton ;  David 
Foot,  Cornwall ;  Elisha  Fuller,  New-Haven ;  Isaiah  Fisk,  Wind- 
ham;  Jacob  Galnsha,  Shaftsbury ;  Edmond  Graves,  Sunderland; 
Robert  Hawley,  Bristol ;  Elijah  Hammond,  Thetford ;  Undey  Hay, 
Underbill ;  Benjamin  Holmes,  Georgia  ;  Joseph  Herrick,  Granby  ; 
Daniel  Jewett,  Putney;  Elias  Jones,  Reading;  Gains  Kibbe, 
Minehead ;  Timothy  Miller,  Sudbury  ;  William  Marsh,  Shrews- 
bury ;  Theophilus  Middlebrooks,  Ferrisburgh ;  Amos  Marsh,  Ver- 
gennes ;  H.  E.  G.  McLaughlin,  Topsham ;  John  Noyes,  Guilford ; 
Ruben  Nash,  Benson;  Samuel  Porter,  Dummerston ;  Joseph  Perry- 


JOVRJs'AL-lSOS.  91 

Pomfret;  Silas  Pond,  Pantoii ;  James  A.  Potter,  Jericho;  Martin 
Powell,  Westford ;  Gershom  Palmer,  Calais ;  Samuel  Peckham, 
Huntsburgb ;  Samuel  Shaw,  Castleton ;  Pliny  Smith,  Orwell ; 
James  Smith,  Cavendish ;  Alvin  Simons,  Weston ;  Gideon  Segar, 
Addison  ;  Daniel  Smith,  Monkton ;  Ruben  Saxton,  Salisbury ; 
Timothy  Stanley,  Greensboro;    James  Tabor,  Randolph;    Silas 

Wright,  Weybridge ;  Wheatley, ;  Samuel  Wetherbee, 

Concord  ;  Webber, . 

Nays — Messrs.  Ebenezer  Allen,  Newfane  ;  Jonathan  Allen,  Bar- 
ton ;  Jonathan  Baker,  Arlington  ;  Darius  Bullock,  Halafax ;  Ru- 
ben Blanchard,  Peacham  ;  Jonas  Brigham,  Bakersfield  ;  Hubbard 
Barlow,  Fairfield;  Ebenezer  Corse,  Duxbury;  Samuel  Chamber- 
lin,  Danville  ;  Joshua  Clap,  Montgomery  ;  Josiah  Dana,  Chelsea  ; 
Elkanah  Danforth,  Woodford ;  Nathaniel  Edson,  St.  Johnsbury  ; 
Samuel  Eaton,  Jr.,  Johnson ;  Bethuel  Finney,  Stamford ;  James 
Fisk,  Barre ;  Jonathan  Fisk,  Williamstown ;  Joseph  Fisher, 
Cabot;  Richard  Hurd,  Sandgate ;  Arad  Hunt,  Vernon;  Caleb 
Hendee,  Pittsford ;  Eleazer  Hubbard,  Berlin;  John  Hutchinson, 
Braintree ;  Samuel  Hazeltine,  Corinth ;  Stephen  House,  Enos- 
burgh;  Nathaniel  Hutchins,  North-Hero;  Timothy  Hinman, 
Derby;  Lent  Ives,  Wallingford  ;  Joshua  Isham,  Shelburn  ;  Jabez 
Jones,  Bolton;  Phineas  Kitchel,  Bridport;  Bradford  Kinney, 
Plainfield  ;  Aaron  Leland,  Chester ;  David  Lewis  Ludlow ;  Nathan 
Leavenworth,  Jr.,  Hinesburgh  ;  Benjamin  Muzzy,  Jamaca  ;  Lewis 
R.  Morris,  Springfield ;  Joel  Marsh,  Sharon ;  Jonathan  Mc  Cum- 
ber, Groton ;  Joseph  Marsh,  Coventry ;  Jesse  Olds,  Westfield ; 
Abner  Perry,  Wardsboro ;  Gamaliel  Painter,  Middlebury;  Andrew 
B.Peters,  Bradford;  Daniel  Peasley,  Washington;  Seth  Paine, 
Tunbridge;  Seth  Putnam,  Middlesex;  Bissel  Phelps,  Waitsfield; 
Seth  Pomeroy,  St.  Albans ;  Thomas  H.  Parker,  Eden  ;  Ralph 
Parker,  Glover;  Nathan  Robbinsbn,  Bennington;  Ephraim  Ranny, 
Jr.,  Westminster;  Samuel  Rich,  Charlotte ;  Nathan  Robbinson 
Stow;  Elisha  Reynolds,  Alburgh  ;  Theophilus  Harrington,  Claren- 
don, Speaker  of  the  House  ;  James  Shafter,  Athens;  Levi  Sabin, 
Rockingham  ;  Elias  Stevens,  Royalton ;  Alden  Spooner,  Wind- 
sor; Nathaniel  Stoughton,  Weathersfield  ;  John  Stacy,  Orange  ; 
Wright  Spaulding,  Moretown  ;  Lemuel  Scott,  Fletcher;  Elijah 
Strong,    Brownington;     James    Tarbox,    Randolph;     Thaddeus 


92  JOURJ^AL-1804. 

Tuttle,  Burlington;  Thomas  Taylor,  Wolcott ;  D.  Tuthill, ; 

Stephen  Underhill,  Missisquoi ;  Solomon  Wright,  Pownal ;  Lem- 
uel Whitney,  Brattleborough ;  John  B.  Wheeler,  Grafton ; 
Phineas  Williams,  Bridgewater ;  Joseph  Woodvvorth,  Montpelier; 
Amherst  Willoughby,  Berkshire. 

So  it  passed  in  the  negative,  yeas,  69,  nays,  77,  and  the  Bill 
was  by  order  dismissed."     Journal,  1803,  pp.  258,  259. 

The  House,  according  to  the  List  of  Members,  consisted  of  183. 
From  this  it  would  appear  that  37  Members  did  not  vote  on  this 
Bill.  It  was,  however,  late  in  the  session  and  several  had  been 
excused  and  gone  to  their  homes. 


1804. 

Manchestek,  Sept.  19,  1804. 
The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  State  of  Vermont  met  agreeable  to  appointment. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  performed  Divine  Service 
and  the  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden  delivered  a  sermon.  After 
the  religious  exercises  it  was  found  that  the  following  gen- 
tlemen were  Members,  viz. 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden, 
The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson. 

ARLINGTON: 

Mr.  Caleb  Dayton,  Mr.  Dominicus  Grey. 

PAWLET : 

Mr.  JosiAH  Smith. 

WELLS:  '    . 

Mr.  Raymond  Hotchkiss. 

SANDGATE: 

Mr.  Nichols  Randall. 

DORSET: 

Mr.  John  French. 

MANCHESTER : 

Truman  Squier,  Esq.,  Lazarus  Beardslee, 

Messrs.  Moses  Sperry,  Joshua  French, 

Benjamin  Purdy,  jr.  Martin  Robberts. 
John  Hogaboom, 


JOTJBJ^AL-1804-  93 

The  Kev.  Bethuel  Chittenden  was  chosen  President,  and 
the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Secretary, 

Eesolved,  that  the  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,  the  Rev. 
Abraham  Bronson  and  Mr.  David  Lewis  be  the  Standins: 
Committee  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  pre- 
sented to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chittenden  for  his  excellent  sermon, 
delivered  this  day. 

Resolved,  That  the  future  Meetings  of  the  Conventions 
of  this  Church  be  on  the  Fourth  Wednesday  of  September, 
annually. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Meeting  of  the  Convention  of 
this  Church  be  held  at  the  West  Church  in  Arlington. 

Adjourned. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  Secretary. 


As  usual  the  matter  of  the  Glebe  Lands  was,  in  various  forms, 
before  the  General  Assembly,  which  in  1804  held  its  Session  at 
Rutland.  In  order  to  give  a  connected  history  of  these  Lands, 
and  of  public  sentiment  in  regard  to  them,  what  was  attempted 
in  that  body  will  be  transcribed  from  the  Journal  of  that  year. 

Saturday,  October  13,  180-4,  "The  Petition  of  Benjamin  Jac- 
queth  was  read,  and  referred  to  Messrs.  David  Hibbard,  Samuel 
Beech,  Elam  Jewett,  Jr.,  Jonas  Brigham,  Erastus  Safford." 

"  The  Petition  of  Benjamin  Burtch  was  read  and  referred  to 
the  Committee  appointed  on  the  petition  of  Benjamin  Jacqueth 
and  others." 

This  last  named  Petition  was  presented  before  the  adjourned 
Session  of  the  Legislature  held  at  Windsor  in  January  and  Feb- 
ruary of  this  year,  and  referred  to  the  present  Session.  Journal 
of  the  session  at  Windsor,  1804,  pp.  35,  36.  Journal,  Session  at 
Rutland,  1804,  p.  23. 

"  The  Petition  of  sundry  inhabitants  of  Danby  was  read  and 
referred  to  the  Committee  appointed  on  the  petition  of  Benjamin 
Jacqueth  and  others."     Journal,  1804,  p.  73. 


94  JOVnNAL-1804. 

"  The  Petition  of  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Tinmouth, 
was  read  and  referred  to  a  Committee  appointed  on  the  petition 
of  Benjamin  Jacqueth  and  others."     Journal,  1804,  p.  77. 

"  On  motion  of  Mr.  Elihu  Luce  of  Hartland,  Resolved,  That 
a  Committee  of  five  be  appointed,  to  join  such  Committee  as  the 
Council  may  appoint,  to  make  enquiry  concerning  the  Glebe 
Lands  in  the  several  towns  in  this  State,  and  make  report  to  this 
House,  whether  the  said  Lands  belong  to  this  State,  and  if  so,  in 
what  way  they  shall  be  disposed  of." 

Members  chosen,  Messrs.  Asa  Lyon,  South  Hero ;  Titus  Hutch- 
inson, Woodstock  ;  Samuel  Shaw,  Castleton  ;  Daniel  Dana,  Guild- 
hall ;  Ezra  Butler,  Waterbury.     Journal,  1804,  p.  128. 

Monday,  October  29th,  '•  The  Committee  appointed,  pursuant 
to  the  Resolution,  introduced  by  Mr.  Luce,  to  make  enquiry  con- 
cerning the  Glebe  Lands,  made  report,  That  the  said  Glebe  Lands 
do  belong  to  this  State,  and  ought  to  be  speedily  chartered  out 
to  the  best  advantage,  to  the  use  of  the  State ;  the  avails  to  be 
apportioned  from  time  to  time  as  the  Legislature  may  direct. 
Which  report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  the  Resolution  recom- 
mitted, with  directions  to  the  Committee  to  bring  in  a  Bill  agree- 
able to  the  report."     Journal,  1804,  pp.  207,  208. 

Wednesday,  October  31st,  "  The  Committee  to  whom  was  re- 
ferred the  petition  of  Benjamin  Jacqueth  and  others,  praying  for 
the  grant  of  the  Glebe  Lands  in  Hartland,  made  report.  That 
the  prayer  thereof  ought  not  to  be  granted.  Which  report  was 
read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table." 

"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of  Benja- 
min Burtch,  stating,  that  he  formerly  expended  large  sums  of 
money  in  building  a  court-house  and  gaol  in  Woodstock,  near 
to  his  own  house,  expecting  to  receive  compensation  for  the  same, 
from  the  privileges  and  benefits  which  he  should  derive,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  contiguity  of  those  buildings  to  his  house  and 
property;  that  the  said  court-house,  shortly  after  its  erection,  was 
consumed  by  fire,  and  a  new  one  erected,  and  likewise  a  new  gaol, 
both  of  which  were  built  at  a  distance  from  the  petitioner's  house, 
by  reason  whereof  he  has  failed  of  receiving  those  benefits  and 
advantages  which  he  expected  to  receive,  and  has  sustained 
a  great  loss  of  property,  and  therefore  praying  the  Legislature 


JOURJfAL-1805.  95 

to  make  him  compensation,  by  granting  him  all  those  lands  known 
by  the  name  of  the  Glebe  Lands,  in  the  several  towns  in  this 
State,  which  were  chartered  by  the  Governor  of  New-Hampshire, 
or  such  part  of  them  as  the  Legislature  shall  think  proper,  made 
report,  That  the  prayer  of  the  petition  ought  not  to  be  granted. 
Which  report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  leave  granted  to  M'ith- 
draw  the  petition."     Journal,  1804,  pp.  236,  237. 

Wednesday,  October  31st.  "  The  Committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  petition  of  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Danby, 
praying  the  Legislature  to  take  into  consideration  the  situation 
of  the  Glebe  Lands  in  this  State,  and  to  make  such  regulations 
respecting  these  lands,  as  shall  secure  them  to  incumbent  Parsons, 
whenever  they  shall  settle  in  the  towns  where  there  are  such 
lands ;  and  otherwise  to  regulate  the  rents  and  profits  of  the 
same,  where  there  is  no  incumbent  Parson,  made  report,  That  the 
prayer  thereof  ought  not  to  be  granted.  Which  report  was  read 
and  accepted,  and  leave  granted  the  petitioners  to  withdraw  their 
petition."  ^^ 

"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Petition  of  a  number 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Tinmouth,  praying  the  Legislature  to  regu- 
late the  proceedings  relating  to  the  Glebe  Lands,  similar  to  the 
preceding  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  Danby,  made  report, 
That  the  prayer  thereof  ought  not  to  be  granted.  Which  report 
was  read  and  accepted,  and  leave  granted  the  petitioners  to  with- 
draw their  petition."     Journal,  1804,  pp.  240,  241. 


1805. 

Arlington,  Sept.  25th,  1805. 
The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  State  of  Vermont  met  agreeable  to  appointment. 

The  Rev.  Barzillai  Bulkely  read  prayers,  and  the  Rev. 
Abraham  Bronson  delivered  a  Sermon. 

After  Divine  Service,  the  Convention  was  opened  and  the 
following  gentlemen  were  found  Members,  viz. 
The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson, 
The  Rev.  Barzillai  Bulkely. 


96  •  JOURKJ.L-1805. 

ARLINGTON : 

Zadock  Hard,  Esq.,  Mr.  Noble  Hard, 

Tyrus  Hurd,  Esq.,  Mr.  Daniel  Turner. 

MANCHESTER : 

Truman  Squier,  Esq.,  Mr.  Jabez  Hawley, 

Mr.  Martin  Kobberts,  Mr.  Anson  J.  Sperry, 

SANDGATE : 
George  Peck,  Esq.,  Dr.  John  Watkins. 

PAWLET : 

Mr.  JosiAH  Smith. 

FAIRFIELD: 

Mr.  Nathan  Lobdell. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bulkely  was  chosen  President,  pro  tern, 
and  the  Piev.  Mr.  Bronson,  Secretary. 

The  Convention  took  into  consideration  the  present  state 
of  the  Lands  in  Vermont,  originally  granted  to  the  Vener- 
able Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign 
Parts. 

After  reading  a  Resolution  of  that  Society,  dated  May 
20th,  1785,  expressive  of  their  intention  to  dispose  of  their 
property  in  this  country  to  the  use  of  the  Church  here,  the 
Convention  adjourned  for  an  hour  and  a  half. 

3  o'clock,  P.  M.  The  Convention  met  and  proceeded  to 
business. 

Resolved,  That  Caleb  Dayton  be  requested  to  sit  as  a 
Member  of  this  Convention  during  the  remainder  of  its  Ses- 
sion. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden  be  the  Pres- 
ident of  this  Convention  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Resolved,  That  the  Standing  Committee  be  directed  to 
take  measures  to  procure  from  the  Venerable  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  a  Deed,  or 
other  conveyance  of  the  Lands,  originally  granted  to  that 
Society  in  this  State,  to  be  applied  to  the  use  of  the  Church 


JOVEJ\'AL-1805.  97 

here,  in  such  way  and  manner  as  the  Venerable  Society 
shall  think  proper,  (a) 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,  the  Rev. 
Abraham  Bronson,  Daniel  Chipman,  Esq.,  Truman  Squier, 
Esq.,  Mr.  Martin  Robber ts  and  Mr.  Anson  J.  Sperry  be  the 
Standing  Committee  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  of  this  Convention  do  write 
to  the  Bishop  of  New- York,  signifying  our  wish  to  be 
annexed  to  his  Diocese,  and  requesting  him  to  give  us  an 
answer  upon  this  subject. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  people  of  this 
Church  to  raise  money  by  subscription  or  otherwise,  for  the 
purpose  of  obtaining  possession  of  the  Glebe  Lands,  and 
securing  them  to  the  various  Churches,  upon  such  terms  as 
shall  be  agreed  on  between  the  said  subscribers  and  the  peo- 
ple to  whom  the  Glebes  contended  for  legally  and  rightfully 
belong,  (b) 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Meeting  of  the  Convention  of 
this  Church  be  held  at  Manchester,  unless  the  Standing 
Committee  shall  deem  it  expedient  to  appoint  it  at  some 
other  place. 

Adjourned. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  Secretary. 


(a.)  As  an  explanation  of  the  course  of  action  pursued  under 
the  authority  of  this  Resolution,  the  following  passage  from  one 
of  the  Historical  Letters  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson  is  here  apt. 

"  At  my  first  settlement  in  the  State,  my  mind  was  led  to  an 
investigation  of  this  subject ;  and  Mr.  Anson  J.  Sperry,  then  a 
student  at  Law  in  Manchester,  engaging  with  me  in  the  cause,  we 
soon  became  entirely  satisfied  that  the  Society's  Title  remained 
good.  Accordingly  we  brought  the  subject  before  the  State  Con- 
vention in  1805,  and  obtained  the  passage  of  a  Resolution  direct- 
ing the  Standing  Committee  to  take  measures  for  procuring  a 
conveyance.     At  the  same  time  another  Resolution  was  passed, 


98  JO  URJfAL-1805. 

requesting  tlie  Bishop  of  New  York  to  take  us  under  his  superin- 
tendence, that  thus  having  a  name  among  our  brethren  abroad, 
we  might  apply  to  the  Society  with  more  confidence  of  success. 
Having  learnt  that  our  people  in  New-Hampshire,  in  the  case  of 
lands  in  a  similar  situation,  had  procured  a  Deed  of  Trust  to  cer- 
tain individuals,  we  adopted  the  same  course,  and  determined  to 
ask  for  a  similar  conveyance.  In  order  to  strengthen  our  influence, 
Mr.  Sperry  took  a  journey  to  New  York  and  Connecticut,  and 
explained  our  views  to  Bishop  Moore,  Dr.  Bowden,  Dr.  Johnson, 
Dr.  Hubbard,  and  the  Rev.  Ashbel  Baldwin,  whom  we  proposed  as 
suitable  persons  to  receive  the  Trust.  They  all  approved  of  our 
course,  and  consented  to  accept  the  Deed.  So  much  labor  was 
necessary  in  collecting  information  and  making  arrangements,' 
that  the  petition,  and  explanatory  letter,  and  form  of  a  Deed, 
were  not  ready  till  July,  1806.  They  were  then  transmitted  to 
Bishop  Moore,  and  by  him  forwarded  to  London.  As  no  answer 
was  received  from  England,  at  the  close  of  the  next  year,  I  wrote 
to  Gen.  Bradley,  Senator  in  Congress,  from  Vermont,  requesting 
him  to  inquire  of  the  British  Minister,  recently  arrived  in  Wash- 
ington, respecting  the  matter.  He  wrote  me  in  his  characteristic 
style,  '  that  it  was  not  probable  that  a  man  brought  up  in  a  cor- 
rupt Court  had  any  more  knowledge  of  the  Messiah's  Kingdom 
than  the  Tartars  in  Asia,'  and  so  he  had  forwarded  the  letter  to 
Gen.  Lyman,  our  Consul  in  London,  with  a  desire  that  he  would 
inquire  into  the  subject.  A  few  months  after.  Gen.  Lyman  wrote 
us  that  he  had  begun  an  inquiry,  and  would  pursue  it,  so  as  to 
ascertain  whether  our  object  could  be  effected.  But  we  never 
received  any  further  communication  from  him."  Gambier  Observ- 
er, November  7,  1834.  Episcopal  Recorder,  February  28,  1835. 
(b.)  One  whose  mind  is  unbiased,  and  imbued  with  the  great 
principles  of  right  and  justice,  reads  this  Resolution  with  a  senti- 
ment of  sadness.  The  valuable  property  to  which  it  refers,  during 
the  Session  of  the  Legislature,  in  the  Fall  following  this  Conven- 
tion, was,  by  legal  enactment,  in  defiance  of  the  decision  of  the 
United  States  Court  for  the  district  of  Vermont,  and  in  viola- 
tion of  the  sixth  article  of  the  Treaty  of  1783,  taken  from  the 
Episcopal  Chnrch  and  appropriated  to  the  use  and  benefit  of  dis- 
trict schools.     And  this  law,  sustained  by  a  qualified  decision  of 


JOURJfAL-1805.  99 

the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  has  thus  far  continued 
in  force. 

It  may  well  be  a  source  of  some  gratification  to  the  members 
of  the  Episcopal  Church,  however,  that  the  income  of  this  part 
of  their  inherited  and  rightful  domain,  is  used  with  some  degree 
of  fidelity  and  success  for  so  good  a  purpose  as  the  benefit  of  the 
young.  It  may  not  generally  be  known  and  considered  that,  in 
this  State,  more  than  Three  Thousand  Dollars,  besides  an  equal 
share  of  taxation,  is  annually  taken  from  the  Church  for  the  sup- 
port of  Common  Schools.  Here  is  a  great  wrong.  The  State 
has  no  right  to  take  what  every  man  who  can  read  and  under- 
stand the  English  Language  knows  to  be  the  property  of  good 
and  loyal  citizens,  given  them  for  the  use  and  support  of  Religion, 
on  the  strength  of  a  legal  quibble  and  refinement,  and  appropri- 
ate it  to  any  purpose. 

When  regard  is  had  to  the  final  vote  sequestering  and  appro- 
priating the  Glebe  Lands,  it  is  agreeable  to  see  the  names  of  so 
many  gentlemen  who  were  governed  by  just  and  right  principles. 
And,  for  those  familiar  with  the  history  of  this  State,  the  other 
List  affords  abundant  information  in  respect  to  the  parties  by 
whom  this  wrong  was  done. 

The  General  Assembly  of  Vermont  held  its  Session  in  1805,  at 
Danville.  What  was  done  in  it  respecting  the  Glebe  Lands  has 
been  transcribed  from  the  Journal. 

October  11th,  a  Committee  of  five  members  on  the  part  of  the 
House  was  appointed,  to  join  such  Committee  as  the  Governor 
and  Council  might  appoint,  to  take  into  consideration  the  situa- 
tion of  the  Glebe  Lands  in  this  State. 

Members  appointed,  Messrs  Benjamin  Gardener,  Pownal ;  Phin- 
eas  Williams,  Bridgwater ;  Enoch  Emmerson,  Rochester;  Ralph 
Parker,  Glover;  Joseph  Perry,  Pomfret.     Journal,  1805,  p.  10. 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
Glebe  Lands  in  this  State,  and  to  whom  were  referred  several 
petitions  on  that  subject,  reported  a  Bill,  entitled  An  Act  direct- 
ing the  disposal  of  the  Glebe  Lands  in  this  State." 

The  report  was  accepted,  and  the  Bill  was  read  and  ordered  to 
pass  to  a  second  reading  to-morrow  afternoon.  Friday  October 
25.     Journal,  1805,  p.  94. 


100  JOVENAL-1805. 

Wednesday,  October  30th.  "  The  Bill,  entitled  an  Act  direct- 
ing the  disposal  of  the  Glebe  Lands  in  the  several  towns  in  this 
State,  granted  under  the  authority  of  the  Governor  of  New- 
Hampshire,  was  taken  up  and  read." 

"  Mr.  Lewis  R.  Morris,  of  Springfield,  moved  to  amend  the  Bill 
by  striking  out  the  word  right  in  the  first  section  of  the  Bill ; 
which  would  leave  the  Bill  without  expressing  the  opinion  of  the 
House  on  the  right  of  the  property  of  the  Glebe  Lands.  After 
some  time  spent  in  debate  on  the  subject,  on  motion  the  House 
adjourned." 

In  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  *'  The  Bill  entitled  an  Act 
directing  the  disposal  of  the  Glebe  Lands,  etc.,  was  called  up ; 
and  the  question  being  put  on  the  adoption  of  the  amendment 
proposed  by  Mr.  Morris,  the  yeas  and  nays  were  demanded  by 
Mr.  Cameron  and  were  " — Yeas,  48 :  Nays,  128.  '*  So  the  amend- 
ment was  lost." 

"The  Bill  was  then  on  motion,  referred  to  a  Committee  of  three 
for  redrafting.  Members  chosen,  Messrs.  Charles  Rich,  Shoreham  ; 
John  White,  Jr.  Georgia;  Samuel  Shaw,  Castleton."  Journal, 
1805,  pp.  118,  119. 

Friday,  Nov.  1.  "The  Committee  to  whom  was  committed 
the  Bill  entitled,  an  Act  directing  the  disposal  of  the  Glebe 
Lands  in  this  State,  etc.,  reported  the  Bill  drafted  anew.  The 
Bill  passed  the  first  reading,  and  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table, 
and  be  made  the  order  of  the  day  at  the  opening  of  the  House 
to-morrow  afternoon,  for  a  second  reading."  Journal,  1805,  p.  129. 

Saturday,  Nov.  2d.  "  Agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  day,  the 
Bill  entitled  an  Act  for  the  disposition  of  Glebe  Lands,  etc.,  was 
taken  up,  and  being  read  the  second  time,  the  question  was  put, 
Shall  the  Bill  pass  ? — The  yeas  and  nays,  being  demanded  by  Mr. 
Morris,  were  as  follows  : 

Yeas  :  Messrs.  John  Aiken,  Windham ;  John  H.  Andrus,  Dau- 
by; Joseph  Armington,  Waterford;  Joel  Brownson,  Richmond ; 
John  Borden,  Vineyard ;  William  Barney,  Underbill ;  Paul  W. 
Brigham,  Sharon ;  Esaias  Butts,  Hancock ;  Reuben  Bigelow,  Peru ; 
Aaron  Beach,  Whiting;  Thomas  Bartlett,  Burke;  Jedediah 
Boynton,  Shelburn;  Daniel  Brown,  Plymouth;  Samuel  Collins, 
Dorset ;  Asahel  Chamberlin,  Strafford ;  Ithiel  Cargill,  Brunswick ; 


JOTJBKAL-1805.  101 

Salvin  Collins,  Berlin ;  Penuel  Child,  Brandon ;  Cephas  Carpen- 
ter, Moretovvn ;  John  Cameron,  Ryegate ;  Sherman  Dewey,  Hart- 
ford ;  Howland  Delong,  Lincoln ;  Daniel  Dyer,  Clarendon ;  

Dana, ;  Pascal  P.  Enos,  Windsor ;  Isaac  Eddy,  Pittsfield ; 

John  Fitch,  Huntington ;  Austin  Fenn,  Ludlow ;  Jonathan  Fisk, 
Williamstown  ;  Nathaniel  Farrington,  Walden  ;  Elisha  Fuller, 
New-Haven;  Thomas  Freeman,  Barnard;  David  Goodwillie, 
Barnet;  Edmund  Graves,  Sunderland;  Jacob  Galusha,  Shafts- 
bury  ;  Benj.  Gardner,  Pownal ;  Robert  Holley,  Bristol ;  David 
Hazelton,  Westford;  Jesse  Heath,  Groton;  Richard  Hurd,  Sand- 
gate;  David  Holden,  Shrewsbury;  Simeon  Hine,  Colchester; 
John  Ide,  Jr.,  Coventry;  Samuel  Jewett,  Weybridge ;  Daniel 
Jewett,  Putney ;  John  Jackson,  Milton ;  Elias  Jones,  Reading ; 
Nathaniel  King,  Tunbridge ;  Lyman  Kidder,  Braintree ;  Robert 
Kennedy,  Richford ;  Elihu  Luce,  Hartland ;  Asa  Lyon,  South- 
Hero  ;  Caleb  Leach,  Irasburgh  ;  H.  E.  G.  McLaughlin,  Topsham ; 
Nathan  Page,  Royalton ;  Seth  Putnam,  Middlesex ;  Joseph  Perry, 
Pomfret;  Abijah  Perry,  Leicester;  Nehemiah  Perkins,  Stowe; 
Silas  Pond,  Panton ,  John  Pinneo,  Bolton ;  Amos  Robbinson, 
Northfield ;  Josiah  Rising,  Rupert ;  Ephraim  Ranney,  Westmin- 
ster; Joseph  Robbinson,  Swanton;  Alvin  Simons,  Weston;  Lewis 
Sowles,  Alburgh;  Lemuel  Scott,  Fletcher;  Samuel  Strong,  Ver- 
gennes;  Pliny  Smith,  Orwell ;  Samuel  Shaw,  Castleton;  Gideon 
Seegar,  Addison ;  Daniel  Smith,  Monkton ;  James  Smith,  Caven- 
dish ;  Thomas  Taylor,  Wolcott ;  Gideon  Tabor,  Mount-Tabor ; 
Simeon  Tubbs,  Essex;  Elisha  Thayer,  Farlee;  Cyrus  Ware, 
Montpelier;  Pres  West,  St,  Johnsbury ;  Nathaniel  Wheatly, 
Brookfield  ;  Phineas  Williams,  Bridgwater ;  Elisha  Walker,  Hub- 
bardton;  John  White,  Jr.,  Georgia;  Shubael  Wilmarth,  Stam- 
ford; George  Westgate,  Johnson;  Solomon  Walbridge,  Cam- 
bridge ;  Asa  Wilkins,  Fairfax ;  Joseph  Warner,  Sudbury. — 95. 

Nays:  Messrs.  Samuel  Arnold,  Londonderry;  Darius  Bulloch, 
Halifax ;  Peirce  Burton,  Norwich  ;  Jonathan  Baker,  Arlington ; 
Jonas  Brigham,  Bakersfield;  J.  P.  Buckingham,  Thetford;  Asa 
Beebe,  Jr.,  Winhall ;  Anthony  Burgess,  Westfield ;  Joshua  Clapp, 
Montgomery;  William  Gaboon,  Lyndon;  Nathaniel  Collins, 
Manchester;  Isaac  Cutler,  Fairhaven ;  John  Cowee,  Chittenden; 
Dudley  Chase,  Randolph;  Samuel  C.  Crafts,  Craftsbury;  John 


102  JOUBMAL-1805. 

Dyer,  Townshend;  Benjamin  Davis,  Duxbury;  Gilbert  Dennison, 
Guilford ;  Enoch  Emerson,  Rocbester ;  Samuel  French,  Hard- 
wick;  John  Frasier,  Ferrisburg;  Caleb  Fisk,  Billymead ;  Jere- 
miah French,  Williston;  William  Fox,  Wallingford;  Jabez 
Foster,  Whitingham ;  John  Fuller,  Sherburne ;  Simon  Francis, 
Wells ;  Arad  Hunt,  Vernon ;  Asa  Hemmenway,  Bridport ;  Nathan 
Hutchins,  North-Hero ;  Samuel  Hubbard,  Huntsburgh ;  Theophi- 
lus  Huntington,  Chelsea;  Timothy  Hinman,  Derby;  Luke 
Knowlton,  Jr.,  Newfane;  Elijah  Knight,  Rockingham;  George 
Kennan,  Waterbury ;  Nathan  Leavenworth,  Hinesburgh;  Lewis 
R.  Morris,  Springfield ;  Benjamin  Muzzy,  Jamaca ;  Nehemiah 
Noble,  Bethel ;  Bissel  Phelps,  Waitsfield ;  Seth  Pomeroy,  St. 
Albans ;  Gamaliel  Painter,  Middlebury ;  Samuel  Phelps,  Lunen- 
burgh ;  Ezekiel  Porter,  Rutland ;  Thomas  Porter,  Vershire ; 
Samuel  Porter,  Dummerston ;  Daniel  Reed,  Wardsborough ; 
Thomas  D.  Rood,  Jericho;  David  Rising,  Orange;  Charles  Rich, 
Shoreham;  Stephen  Royce,  Berkshire;  Aaron  Leland,  Chester* 
Speaker  of  the  House ;  Reuben  Saxton,  Salisbury ;  Arad  Steb- 
bins,  Bradford ;  Gregory  Stone,  Weathersfield ;  James  Shafter, 
Athens ;  Benjamin  Sandford,  Cornwall ;  Christopher  Sargeant, 
Danville ;  Matthew  Sax,  Highgate ;  Joshua  Tenney,  Corinth ;  Dan- 
iel Tuthill,  Landgrove ;  LemuelWhitney,  Brattleborough. — 63. 

**  So  the  Bill  passed,  and  was  directed  to  be  engrossed  and  sent 
to  the  Governor  and  Council  for  revision  and  concurrence,  or 
proposals  of  amendment."     Journal,  1805,  pp.  137,  138. 

Tuesday,  November  5.  A  Bill  entitled  an  Act  directing  the 
appropriation  of  the  lands  in  this  State,  heretofore  granted  by  the 
Government  of  Great  Britain,  to  the  Church  of  England,  as  by 
Law  established,  was  returned  to  the  House  from  the  Governor 
and  Council  by  their  Secretary,  concun-ed  and  passed  into  a  Law. 
Journal,  1805,  p.  158. 

Of  the  Act  above  described,  the  following  is  a  copy. 

"  Whereas  the  several  Glebe  Rights,  granted  by  the  British 
Government,  to  the  Church  of  England,  as  by  their  Law  estab- 
lished, are  in  the  nature  of  public  reservations ;  and  as  such  be- 
came vested,  by  the  Revolution,  in  the  sovereignty  of  this  State ; 
therefore. 

Sect.  1.     It  is  hereby  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the 


JOVBKAL-1806.  103 

State  of  Vermont,  That  the  several  rights  of  land  in  this  State, 
granted  under  authority  of  the  British  Government,  to  the  Church 
of  England,  as  by  law  established,  be,  and  the  same  hereby  are, 
granted,  severally,  to  the  respective  towns  in  which  such  lands 
lie,  and  to  their  respective  use  and  uses,  forever,  in  the  manner 
following,  to  wit :  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  selectmen,  in  the 
respective  towns,  in  the  name  and  behalf,  and  at  the  expense,  of 
such  towns,  if  necessary,  to  sue  for,  and  recover,  the  possession  of 
such  lands,  and  the  same  to  lease  out,  according  to  their  best 
judgment  and  discretion,  reserving  an  annual  rent  therefor,  which 
shall  be  paid  into  the  treasury  of  such  town,  and  appropriated  to 
the  use  of  schools  therein ;  and  shall  be  applied  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  monies  arising  from  school  lands,  are,  by  law,  directed  to 
be  applied. 

Sect,  2.  That  whenever  any  town,  containing  a  Glebe  Right, 
shall  have  been  divided,  and  any  part  thereof  set  off  to  any  other 
town  or  towns,  the  inhabitants  residing  in  such  part  or  parts  set 
off,  shall  be  entitled  to  their  full  proportion,  and  no  more,  of  the 
monies  arising  from  the  Glebe  Lands  in  the  town  to  which  they 
originally  belonged."  Laws  of  Vermont,  compiled  by  William 
Slade,  jun.,  p.  198. 


1806. 

Manchester,  Sept.  24,  1806. 

The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  State  of  Vermont  met  according  to  appointment.  The 
Eev,  Abraham  Bronson  read  prayers,  and  the  Eev.  Russel 
Catlin  delivered  a  Sermon. 

Immediately  after  the  Religious  Exercises,  the  Conven- 
tion was  opened,  when  the  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden  was 
chosen  President,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson,  Secretary. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  found  to  be  present  as 
Delegates  to  this  Convention,  viz. 

MANCHESTER : 

Truman  Squier,  Esq.,  Mr.  Martin  Robberts, 

Mr.  Joshua  French,  Anson  J.  Sperrt,  Esq. 


104  JOURJfAL-1806. 

ARLINGTON : 

Mr.  Curtis  Hawlet,  Mr.  Noble  Hard, 

Luther  Stone,  Esq.,  Mr.  Daniel  Turner. 

PAWLET: 

Mr.  Josiah  Smith,  Mr.  Asaph  Teele. 

CASTLETON : 

Mr.  John  Whitlock. 

DORSET: 

Mr.  John  French. 

Mr.  Caleb  Dayton  and  Job  Giddings,  Esq.  were  requested 
to  sit  as  members  of  this  Convention. 
Adjourned  for  an  hour  and  a  half. 

Four  o'clock,  P.  M. 

The  Convention  met. 

Anson  J.  Sperry,  Esq.,  one  of  the  Standing  Committee, 

reported  verbally, That  he  was  the  bearer  of  a  letter  of 

the  Secretary  of  this  Convention  to  the  Bishop  of  New- York, 
requesting  him  to  take  the  Church  in  this  State  under  his 
Episcopal  care,  agreeable  to  a  Resolution  of  the  Convention, 
and  that  the  Bishop  authorized  him  to  inform  this  Conven- 
tion, that  he  would  comply  with  said  request,  (a) 

Mr.  Sperry,  also,  read  a  copy  of  the  writings  addressed  by 
the  Standing  Committee  to  "  The  Incorporated  Society  for 
propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,"  requesting  a  con- 
veyance of  their  Lands  in  this  State  for  the  use  of  the 
Church  here.  These  writings  consisted  of  a  Petition  and 
an  accompanying  Letter,  with  the  form  of  a  Deed,  which 
had  been  transmitted  to  the  said  Society.  The  Gentlemen 
named  in  the  Deed,  as  Trustees,  to  the  Lands,  were,  the 
Bishop  of  New- York,  the  Bishop  of  Connecticut,  William 
Samuel  Johnson,  Esq.,  LL.  D.,  Jonathan  Ingersoll,  Esq., 
John  Bowden,  D.  D.,  Bela  Hubbard,  D.  D.  and  the  Rev. 
Ashbel  Baldwin. 

Whereupon  it  was  resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  ap- 
prove of  the  measures  taken  by  the  Standing  Committee  for 


JOUBMAL-1807.  105 

obtaining  a  Deed  of  the  Society's  Lands,  and  do  direct  the 
Standing  Committee  for  the  ensuing  year  to  pursue  the  said 
measures  to  effect. 

Kesolved,  That  the  Kev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,  the  Eev. 
Kussel  Catlin,  the  Kev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Daniel  Chip- 
man,  Esq.,  Truman  Squier,  Esq.,  Anson  J.  Sperry,  and  Mr. 
Martin  Kobberts,  be  the  Standing  Committee  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

Kesolved,  That  the  next  Meeting  of  this  Convention  be 
at  Hartland  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  September  next. 

Adjourned. 

ABKAHAM  BRONSON,  Secretary. 


(a)  "  In  the  Convention  of  1805,  when  the  Petition  was  ordered 
to  England  for  the  Society's  Lands,  a  resolution  was  passed  re- 
questing Bishop  Moore  of  New- York  to  take  the  Church  in  Ver- 
mont under  his  care.  He  consented  with  a  view  of  giving  more 
efficacy  to  that  Petition,  hut  with  the  express  understanding,  that 
he  should  not  he  expected  to  visit  the  State.  In  this  situation  as 
regards  the  Episcopate  the  Church  remained  till  1809."  Bron- 
son's  Letters.  Gamhier  Observer,  Nov.  21,  1834.  Episcopal 
Recorder,  Mar.  7,  1835. 


1807. 

Hartland,  Sept.  16,  1807. 
Agreeably  to  appointment,  the  Convention  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont  met ;  but 
only  a  few  members  being  present,  no  business  was  done. 
The  Convention  adjourned  to  meet  at  Rutland  on  Wednes- 
day, October  7th. 


106  -         JOVEJ^AL-1807. 

EuTLAND,  October  7th,  1807. 

According  to  adjournment  the  Convention  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont  met  at  the 
House  of  Darius  Chipman,  Esq.,  of  Rutland. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  present  as  Members,  viz. 

The  Eev.  Bethuel  Chittenden, 
The  Eev.  Abraham  Bronson. 

EUTLAND : 

Darius  Chipman,  Esq. 

MIDDLEBURY : 

Daniel  Chipman,  Esq. 

CA8TLET0N: 

Mr.  John  Whitlock. 

FAIRFIELD: 

Mr.  Nathan  Lobdell. 

WELLS: 

David  Lewis,  Esq.,  Mr. Williams. 

MANCHESTER: 

Anson  J.  Sperry,  Esq. 

ARLINGTON: 
\        Mr.  Noble  Hard. 

The  Eev.  Bethuel  Chittenden  was  chosen  President,  and 
the  Eev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Secretary. 

The  Eev.  Mr.  Chittenden,  the  Eev.  Mr.  Bronson,  Darius 
Chipman,  Esq.,  Daniel  Chipman,  Esq.,  David  Lewis,  Esq., 
Anson  J.  Sperry,  Esq.,  and  Mr,  Martin  Eobberts  were 
chosen  the  Standing  Committee. 

A  Copy  of  the  Petition  and  other  papers  forwarded  to 
"  the  Venerable  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Grospel 
in  Foreign  Parts,"  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  a  Deed  of 
their  Lands  in  this  State,  were  read  ;  and  the  Committee 
reported,  that  they  had  as  yet  received  no  answer  to  said 
Petition,  and  had  taken  no  measures  upon  the  subject  with- 
in the  year  past. 


JOUBJfAL-1808.  107 

Whereupon  it  was  resolved,  by  the  Convention,  That  the 
Standing  Committee  be,  and  they  are  hereby  directed,  to 
pursue  the  measures  already  taken  to  obtain  a  Deed  of  the 
Society's  Lands  in  this  State. 

The  next  Convention  of  the  Church  was  appointed  to  be 
held  at  Shelburne  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  September 
next. 

Adjourned.  ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  Secretary. 


1808.    ' 

Shelburne,  Sept.  23d,  1808. 
Agreeable  to  appointment  the  Convention  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont  met.     The 
following  gentlemen  were  present  as  Members,  viz. 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden, 
The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson. 

SHELBURNE : 

Bethuel  Chittenden,  2d,     Simeon  Palmer. 

SALISBURY: 

Stephen  Hard,  Esq. 
CHARLOTTE : 

Zacheus  Towner,  Esq. 

BURLINGTON: 

Ambrose  Atwater. 

ESSEX  : 

Dr.  John  Pericio. 

WILLISTON: 

Daniel  Goodrich. 

CASTLETON: 

John  Whitlock. 

WESTHAVEN : 

Gilbert  Hard. 

FAIRFIELD: 

EzEKiEL  Bradley,  2d. 

FAIRFAX: 

Abijah  Hawley. 


108  JOUBJfAL~1808. 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden  was  chosen  President  and 
the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Secretary. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson  in  behalf  of  the  Standing  Com- 
mittee made  a  Report  respecting  the  state  of  the  correspond- 
ence with  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel. 
Whereupon  it  was  resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  ap- 
prove of  the  measures  taken  within  the  year  past  on  that 
subject,  and  do  direct  the  Standing  Committee  to  take  such 
further  measures  as  in  their  discretion  shall  appear  advis- 
able, (a) 

The  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,  the  Rev.  Abraham  Bron- 
son, Darius  Chipman,  Esq.,  Daniel  Chipman,  Esq.,  David 
Lewis,  Esq.,  Anson  J.  Sperry,  Esq.  and  Mr.  Martin  Rob- 
berts,  were  appointed  the  Standing  Committee  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

The  next  Meeting  of  the  Convention  was  appointed  to  be 
held  at  Westhaven  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  in  September 
next. 

Adjourned.  ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  Secretary. 


(a)  The  following  passage  from  one  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson's 
Historical  Letters  shows  plainly  the  steadiness  of  aim  and  wisdom 
with  which  this  interest  of  the  Church  was  pursued. 

"  In  the  Autumn  of  1808.  I  made  a  journey  to  Canada,  and 
opened  the  case  to  Dr.  Stewart,  then  a  Member  and  Missionary  of 
the  Society,  and  now  Bishop  of  Quebec.  He  cheerfully  tendered 
us  any  assistance  in  his  power,  and  continued  a  friendly  corres- 
pondence, except  with  some  interruption  in  time  of  war,  till  our 
claim  was  established  in  1823.  In  the  same  year,  1808,  Bishop 
Moore,  by  our  request,  again  addj-essed  the  Society,  and  the  next 
year  received  for  answer,  that  they  could  not  consistently  make 
any  conveyance  of  their  property  here,  till  they  had  further  infor- 
mation about  it,  and  about  the  success  of  a  Power  of  Attorney 
which  they  had  given  for  the  recovery  of  their  Lands  in  New- 
Hampshire."  Gambler  Observer,  Nov.  7,  1834.  Episcopal 
Recorder,  Feb.  28,  1835.  i 


JOURJfAL-1809.  109 

1809. 

Westhaven,  Sept.  27th,  1809. 
The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  State  of  Vermont  met  agreeably  to  appointment.     The 
following  gentlemen  were  present  as  Members,  viz. 
The  Kev.  Abraham  Bronson. 
CHARLOTTE : 
,  Zacheus  Towner,  Esq. 

SHELBURNE: 

Bela  Chittenden,  Heman  Chittenden. 

POULTNEY: 

Ebenezer  Canfield,  Esq. 

ARLINGTON: 

Curtis  Hawley. 

PAWLET: 

JosiAH  Smith. 

CASTLETON: 

Timothy  Everts. 

WESTHAVEN  : 

Col.  J.  Orms,  Samuel  Francis, 

Capt.  William  Spratt,        Gilbert  Hard. 

Zacheus  Towner,  Esq.  was  chosen  President  and  the  Rev. 
Abraham  Bronson,  Secretary. 

The  Constitution  and  Canons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States  were  read. 

The  Eev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,  the  Rev.  Abraham  Bron- 
son, Darius  Chip  man,  Esq.,  Daniel  Chipman,  Esq.,  David 
Lewis,  Esq.,  Anson  J.  Sperry,  Esq.  and  Mr.  Martin  Rob- 
berts  were  chosen  the  Standing  Committee  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

The  further  correspondence  respecting  the  Society's  Lands 
in  this  State  was  read.  Whereupon  it  was  resolved,  That 
the  Standing  Committee  be,  and  they  are  hereby  directed  to 
take  such  further  measures  in  that  business  as  they  shall 
deem  expedient,  (a) 


110  JOVRJ^AL-1809. 

The  next  Convention  of  the  Church  in  Vermont  was 
appointed  to  meet  at  Fairfield  on  the  fourth  Wednesday 
in  September  next. 

Adjourned.  ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  Secretary. 


(a)  "  By  this  time  we  had  discovered  that  the  Deed  in  New- 
Hampshire  had  been  of  no  use,  and  that  the  Agents  there  had 
been  obhged  to  get  a  Power  of  Attorney,  so  as  to  carry  on  their 
measures  in  the  Society's  name.  Even  in  this  way  they  did  not 
fully  succeed,  till  in  1810,  the  agency  was  transferred  to  the  Trus- 
tees of  the  Bishops  in  Massachusetts,  who  prosecuted  the  claim  to 
final  effect.  The  same  course  in  the  use  of  a  Deed  would  occur 
in  Vermont :  so  it  was  determined  at  the  next  application  to  ask 
merely  for  a  Power  of  Attorney.  But  the  embargo,  non-inter- 
course and  war  intercepted  any  further  correspondence  with  the 
Society,  till  the  return  of  peace.  In  the  meantime,  however, 
notwithstanding  the  perplexities  of  the  Glebe  Suit,  the  business 
was  not  wholly  neglected."  Rev.  A,  Bronson,  Gambler  Observer, 
Nov.  7,  1834.     Episcopal  Recorder,  Feb.  28,  1835. 

The  name  of  the  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden  appears  in  the  Jour- 
nal of  this  year  for  the  last  time.  A  simple  sketch  of  his  life  is 
here  fit.  A  more  extended  memorial  of  him  may  be  written.  He 
was  born  in  Guilford,  Conn,  in  1739.  He  came  into  Vermont  in 
1773  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Tinmouth,  Rutland  County.  He 
was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  Seabury  at  Stamford,  Conn 
June  1,  1787,  and  Priest  by  the  same  at  New  London,  June  20^ 
1794.  In  1790  he  removed  to  Shelburne,  Chittenden  County. 
Amono-  the  few  widely  dispersed  Episcopalians  of  Vermont,  he 
did  faithfully  during  22  years  the  work  of  an  Evangelist.  From 
1794  to  the  time  of  his  death,  he  was  a  member  of  the  Standing 
Committee,  and  from  1798  to  1808  the  President  of  the  Conven- 
tion. He  died  at  Shelburne  Nov.  5,  1809,  while  engaged  in 
Divine  service. 


JOTJnKAL-1810.  Ill 


1810. 


MiDDLEBURY,  Auglist  29th,  1810. 

A  Special  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  State  of  Vermont  met  agreeably  to  a  Call  of  the 
Standing  Committee. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow. 

August  SOth,  1810. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  Eev.  Daniel  Burhans,  D.  D.,  of  Connecticut,  being 
present,  was  requested  to  sit  as  President  of  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  chosen  Secretary. 

It  appearing  to  the  Convention  that  the  old  Constitution 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  State  was  lost, 
80  as  not  to  be  found  among  the  papers  of  the  Convention, 
a  new  one  was  formed  and  adopted  in  the  following  words, 
to  wit : 

*'  The  Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  State  of  Vermont. 

Art.  I.  The  various  Churches  in  the  State  of  Vermont 
shall  be  considered  as  united  under  one  Convention,  in  sub- 
ordination to  the  General  Convention  of  the  United  States. 

Art.  II.  A  Convention  of  this  Church  shall  be  annually 
held  on  the  Fourth  Wednesday  in  June,  at  such  place  as 
shall  be  appointed  at  a  previous  Convention,  consisting  of 
all  the  Clergy  and  Lay  Delegates  from  each  of  the  Churches. 

Art.  III.  The  Convention  shall  deliberate  and  act  in 
one  body,  but  shall  vote  in  distinct  orders  when  any  mem- 
ber shall  call  for  such  a  division  on  any  question  ;  and  in 
such  case  a  concurrence  of  a  majority  of  both  orders  shall 
be  necessary  to  give  validity  to  any  measure. 

Art.  IV.  A  President,  Secretary  and  a  Standing  Com- 
mittee shall  be  chosen  at  every  annual  Convention. 

Art.  V.  No  alteration  shall  be  made  in  this  Constitu- 
tion, except  in  Annual  Convention. 


112  JOUBJfAL-1810. 

The  Constitution  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  in  the  United 
States  was  read  and  assented  to,  in  the  words  following,  viz. 

The  Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  Eastern  Diocese  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

Art.  I.  The  States  of  Massachusetts.  Ehode  Island, 
New-Hampshire  and  Vermont  shall  constitute  one  Episco- 
pal Diocese,  in  subordination  to  the  General  Convention, 
and  shall  be  entitled.  The  Eastern  Diocese  of  the  United 
States. 

Art.  II.  There  shall  be  biennially  held  a  Convention  of 
the  Church  in  this  Diocese  on  the  last  Wednesday  in  Sep- 
tember in  each  of  the  four  States  by  rotation,  composed  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates,  chosen  by  the  State  Conven- 
tions, each  State  being  entitled  to  send  one  or  more  Dele- 
gates, not  exceeding  four  of  each  order. 

Art.  III.  The  Convention  shall  deliberate  and  act  in 
one  body,  but  shall  vote  in  distinct  orders,  when  any  Mem- 
ber shall  call  for  such  a  division  on  any  question  ;  and  in 
such  case  a  concurrence  of  a  majority  of  both  orders  shall 
be  necessary  to  give  validity  to  any  measure. 

Art.  IV.  The  Bishop,  or  if  no  Bishop  be  present,  a 
Clergyman  chosen  by  ballot,  shall  be  President  of  Conven- 
tion. 

Art.  V.  At  each  meeting  of  the  Convention  a  Secretary 
shall  be  chosen  by  ballot,  who  shall  keep  a  true  and  fair 
record  of  the  proceedings  of  Convention,  and  at  the  close  of 
each  session  shall  furnish  the  Bishop  with  a  copy  of  the 
same,  or  if  there  be  no  Bishop,  the  Standing  Committee. 

Art.  VI.  There  shall  be  a  Standing  Committee  elected 
at  each  stated  Meeting  of  the  Convention,  consisting  of 
seven  persons,  one  of  whom  shall  be  from  each  State  in  the 

Diocese. 

Art.  VII.  Whenever  hereafter  the  Episcopate  of  this 
Diocese  shall  be  vacant^  the  Standing  Committee  shall  give 
information  thereof  to  the  Secretary  of  each  State  Conven- 
tion in  the  Diocese,  and  also  of  the  time  and  place  of  a 


JOUBJfAL—1810.  113 

Special  Convention  for  the  purpose  of  iSlling  up  such  vacancy ; 
which  Special  Convention  shall  consist  of  the  Clergy  belong- 
ing to  the  Diocese  anci  a  Lay  Delegate  from  each  of  the 
Churches  which  may  have  been  recognized  by  the  Bishop  or 
Standing  Committee,  and  shall  be  held  at  least  three  months 
after  such  information  is  given,  and  in  every  election  of 
Bishop,  the  Clergy  shall  make  a  nomination  by  ballot,  which 
nomination  shall  be  approved  by  a  majority  of  the  Lay  Del- 
egates present,  before  the  choice  shall  be  considered  valid. 

Art.  VIII.  Standing  rules  for  the  orderly  conducting  of 
business  shall  be  devised  from  time  to  time  in  biennial  Con- 
vention. 

Art.  IX.  No  State  shall  withdraw  from  this  Diocese 
without  the  approbation  of  the  House  of  Bishops. 

Art.  X.  No  alteration  shall  be  made  in  this  Constitu- 
tion, but  in  biennial  Convention,  nor  unless  it  has  been  pro- 
posed in  a  previous  Convention,  nor  without  the  concurrence 
of  a  majority  of  the  Delegation  from  at  least  three  of  the 
States  in  the  Diocese. 

Done  in  Convention  of  the  Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Churches  of  the  Eastern  Diocese, 
consisting  of  the  Churches  of  Massachusetts,  Rhode-Island, 
New-Hampshire  and  Vermont,  this  thirty-first  day  of  May 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord  eighteen  hundred  and  ten. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Mr.  John  Whitlock,  David 
Lewis,  Esq.,  Daniel  Chipman,  Esq.,  Anson  J.  Sperry,  Esq., 
Dudley  Chase,  Esq.  and  Dr.  Edward  Campbell,  were  chosen 
the  Standing  Committee  of  the  Diocese  of  Vermont  for  the 
year  ensuing. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Sewall, 
Horatio  Seymour,  Esq.,  Anson  J,  Sperry,  Esq.,  Dr.  Sam- 
uel Cutler  and  Mr.  George  Cleveland  were  chosen  Deputies 
to  represent  this  Diocese  in  the  General  Convention  of  the 
United  States,  to  be  held  at  New-Haven  on  the  third  Tues- 
day in  May  next. 


114  JOURJfAL-1810. 

The  Kev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Truman  Squier,  Esq.,  Da- 
vid Lewis,  Esq.,  Mr.  John  Whitlock,  and  Mr.  George  Cleve- 
land were  chosen  Delegates  to  represent  this  Diocese  in  the 
Diocesan  Convention  to  be  held  in  Boston  on  the  last 
Wednesday  in  September. 

Voted.  That  the  Secretary  write  to  the  Convention  of  the 
Church  in  Connecticut,  requesting  that  the  Clergy  in  said 
State  may  enter  into  some  arrangements  to  make  occasional 
visits  to  the  Churches  in  this  quarter. 

Voted,  That  the  next  Convention  of  this  Church  meet  at 
Wells.     Adjourned. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  Secretary. 


The  following  extract  from  the  seventh  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bron- 
son's  Historical  Letters  is  here  appropriate. 

In  1809  "the  Convention  of  Massachusetts  directed  their 
Secretary  to  invite  their  brethren  in  Rhode-Island,  New-Hamp- 
shire aud  Vermont  to  join  with  them  in  the  election  of  a  Bishop. 
The  Secretary,  having  no  knowledge  of  any  Churchmen  in  Ver- 
mont, made  no  communication  to  that  State ;  but  the  Rev. 
William  Montague,  whose  zeal  and  diligence  did  much  for  the 
cause  at  that  interesting  period,  made  a  journey  to  New-Hamp- 
shire at  a  very  inclement  season,  and,  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Barber, 
came  over  to  Manchester  to  consult  upon  the  subject.  As  the 
fund  for  supporting  tbe  Episcopate  was  expected  to  be  raised 
principally  in  Massachusetts,  the  project  appeared  peculiarly 
favorable,  giving  encouragement  of  Episcopal  ministrations  at  a 
small  expense  to  the  people.  Having  then  no  colleague  in  the 
State,  I  could  decide  the  whole  question  as  to  the  Clergy, — Mr. 
Sperry,  then  with  me,  and  Mr.  Chipman  easily  consulted  by  letter, 
the  assent  of  the  Standing  Committee  was  soon  obtained.  The 
next  May,  Mr.  Chipman  of  Middlebury,  Mr.  John  Whitlock  of 
Castleton  and  Dr.  Cutler  of  Rockingham,  and  myself,  with  the 
Delegates  from  the  other  States  contemplated,  attended  a  Con- 
vention in  Boston  and  formed  the  Constitution  of  the  Eastern 
Diocese." 


JOURJfAL-1810.  115 

"After  the  adoption  of  this  Constitution  the  Convention  pro- 
ceeded to  the  election  of  a  Bishop.  A  respectable  Clergyman  in 
New- York,  formerly  resident  in  Massachusetts  had  been  named 
^for  the  office ;  but  Dr.  Gardner  of  Boston  publicly  protested 
against  taking  a  candidate  from  abroad.  He  had  told  Dr. 
Crocker  and  myself  in  conversation,  that  as  we  could  send  our 
young  men  to  other  States  for  Orders,  he  saw  no  need  of  any 
Bishop  among  ourselves;  but  if  others  were  anxious,  he  would 
propose  Mr.  Griswold  of  Rhode  Island  as  being  for  age  and  cha- 
racter the  most  suitable  candidate.  We  at  once  assented  to  the 
proposal,  and  communicated  to  Mr.  Barber  who  cordially  approv- 
ed :  the  Clergy  of  Massachusetts,  all  except  one,  concurred ;  and 
the'  vote  of  the  Laity  was  unanimous.  Thus  providentially- 
transpired  one  of  the  most  important  events  which  has  ever 
occurred  to  the  Church  in  these  Eastern  States.  Mr.  Griswold 
at  first  declined  the  appointment,  but  was  requested  to  defer  a 
positive  decision  for  the  present.  At  length,  by  the  earnest 
entreaties  of  his  brethren  and  former  associates  in  Connecticut, 
he  was  induced  to  accept,  and  was  consecrated  in  New-York  June 
1811.  Near  the  close  of  the  same  month  he  visited  Vermont, 
attended  the  State  Convention,  and  administered  Confirmation 
at  Wells,  Manchester  and  Arlington,"  Gambler  Observer,  No- 
vember 21,  1834.     Episcopal  Recorder,  March  7,  1835. 


During  this  year,  1810,  an  action  of  ejectment  was  brought 
by  the  town  of  Pawlet  against  Daniel  Clark  and  others  to  re- 
cover possession  of  the  Glebe  Lot  in  that  town.  At  the  time 
this  suit  was  commenced  Mr.  Bronson  of  Manchester  was  entitled 
to  the  rent.     The  case  was  decided  at  Washington  in  Feb.  1815. 

An  adjourned  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Dio- 
cese was  holden  in  Trinity  Church,  Boston,  September  25th  1810. 
To  this  Convention,  the  President,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gardiner,  com- 
municated the  following  letter  from  the  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Gris- 
wold, the  Bishop  elect. 

"Bristol,  September,  12,  1810. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir  ; 

As  the  time  approaches,  when  our  Convention  according  to 
adjournment,  will  again  convene,  it  becomes  necessary  agreeably 


116  JOURJfAL-1810. 

to  their  resolution,  that  I  should  communicate  to  you  my  deter- 
mination respecting  their  late  election.  It  will  be  needless  to 
trouble  you  with  observations  on  my  inability  and  disqualifica- 
tions, which  will  too  soon  be  known.  The  Convention  were 
pleased  to  call  me  to  a  very  sacred  and  important  office, 
which  requires  the  most  serious  consideration.  At  first 
indeed  there  appeared  no  room  for  doubt,  or  hesitation: 
there  seemed  to  be  every  reason  for  declining  an  undertaking  so 
arduous,  so  responsible  in  its  nature,  and  for  the  effectual  dis- 
charge of  which  I  possessed  so  few  of  the  requisite  qualifications. 
But  further  reflection  suggested  thst  a  call  of  this  serious  and 
important  nature  ought  not  to  be  declined  any  more  than  complied 
with,  without  great  and  mature  deliberation ;  that  we  ought  not 
to  shrink  from  any  duty,  to  which  God  is  pleased  to  call  us,  from 
a  conscious  inability  of  doing  ourselves  honour,  in  case  we  can  do 
good.  Nor  is  the  sacrifice  of  ease  and  other  temporal  comforts, 
necessary  to  the  discharge  of  this,  or  any  other  office  in  the 
Church,  sufficient  excuse  to  satisfy  the  minds  of  those  who  have 
sincerely  engaged  in  the  Gospel  Ministry.  Having  consulted 
with  many,  whose  judgment  and  advice  I  have  every  reason  to 
respect,  it  seems  to  be  their  general,  if  not  unanimous  voice,  that 
the  present  peculiar  state  of  this  Diocese  requires  my  acceptance 
of  ye  Episcopate;  and,  however  desirable  may  be  a  more  able  and 
worthy  candidate,  that  it  is,  under  existing  circumstances,  my 
indispensable  duty  to  acquiesce.  To  Him,  therefore,  who  is  able 
to  make  the  humblest  instruments  subservient  to  the  purposes  of 
His  providence,  I  yield  the  result.  Should  the  Convention,  who 
have  now  had  time  for  more  mature  deliberation,  judge  it  still 
expedient,  all  circumstances  considered,  to  adhere  to  what  they 
have  [done],  I  shall  not  refuse  any  compliance  with  their  wishes. 
Trusting  in  God,  and  their  candid  indulgence  and  friendly  coun- 
sels, I  shall  devote  my  future  hours  to  the  good  and  benefit  of 
those  Churches  whom  the  Lord  shall  please  to  put  under  my  care ; 
humbly  endeavouring  by  zeal  and  diligence  to  supply  what  in 
other  talents  is  deficient.  With  all  due  respect, 
I  am  your  friend  and  brother, 

ALEXANDER  V.  GRISWOLD. 
Reverend  John  S.  J.  Gardiner, 

President  of  the  Convention." 


JOVR?rAL-1810.  117 

The  day  following  this  adjourned  meeting,  the  regular  Conven- 
tion of  the  Eastern  Diocese  assembled  in  Trinity  Church,  Boston. 
The  following  votes  were  passed  having  regard  to  the  foregoing 
letter,  the  due  support  and  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Grisvvold 
to  the  office  of  Bishop  : 

"Voted  that  Shubael  Bell,  the  Rev.  Wm.  Montague,  and  Benj. 
Gardiner,  Esq.  be  a  Committee  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Alexander  V. 
Cirriswold  and  express  to  him  that  the  Convention  acknowledge 
with  pleasure  his  acceptance  of  the  Episcopate ;  and  to  assure 
him  that  they  will  cordially  and  faithfully  co-operate  with  him  in 
the  discharge  of  his  duty ;  and  that  he  may  receive  a  satisfactory 
and  honourable  support,  they  have  chosen  a  Committee  to  devise 
ways  and  means  for  this  purpose ;  also  that  the  Convention  return 
thanks  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Griswold  for  the  excellent  discourse  deliv- 
ered before  them  this  day,  and  request  a  copy  for  the  press." 

"  Voted,  that  the  Rev.  John  S.  J.  Gardiner,  the  Rev.  Daniel 
Barber,  the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  and  the  Rev.  Nathan  B. 
Crocker  be  a  Committee  to  wait  on  the  Bishop  elect,  and  to  pre- 
sent him  to  the  House  of  Bishops  for  consecration  at  the  meeting 
of  the  General  Convention  in  May  next." 

The  consecration  of  the  Bishop  elect  took  place  as  contemplat- 
ed in  the  foregoing  vote.  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  Letter 
of  Consecration  : 

'■'■  Knoio  oilmen  hi/  these  presents,  that  we,  Wm.  White,  D.  D., 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania,  presiding  Bishop,  Samuel  Provoost,  D.  D.,  Bishop 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  New- York, 
and  Abraham  Jarvis,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  under  the  protection  of  Al- 
mighty God,  in  Trinity  Church  in  the  City  of  New-York,  on 
Wednesday  the  twenty-ninth  day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eleven,  did  then  and  there 
rightly  and  canonically  consecrate  our  beloved  in  Christ,  Alex- 
ander Viets  Griswold,  Rector  of  St.  Michael's  Church,  Bristol, 
Rhode  Island,  of  whose  sufficiency  in  good  learning,  soundness 
in  the  faith  and  purity  of  manners,  we  were  fully  ascertained, 
into  the  office  of  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  Eastern  Diocese,  composed  of  the  States  of  Massachusetts 


118  JOURJ^AL-lSll. 

Khode  Island,  New-Hampshire  and   Vermont,  to  which  he  hath 

been  elected  by  the  Convention  of  said  States. 

Given  in  the  City  of  New  York  this  twenty-ninth  day  of  May 

in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eleven. 

WILLIAM  WHITE, 
SAMUEL  PROVOOST, 
ABRAHAM  JARVIS." 
The   foregoing   documents   and  votes   were   copied   from   the 

Original    Manuscript    Records    of    the    Eastern   Diocese,   in  the 

archives  of  the  Church  in  Massachusetts. 


1811. 

Wells,  June  26,  1811. 
The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the   Diocese  of  Vermont  met   agreeably  to   appointment. 
The  following  gentlemen  were  present  as  Members,  viz. 
The  Pit.  Rev.  Alexander  V.  GtRISWold,  Bishop  of  the 

Eastern  Diocese  of  the  United  States. 
The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson, 
The  Rev.  Parker  Adams. 

MANCHESTER  : 

Mr.  Joshua  French. 

PAWLET : 

Mr.  JosiAH  Smith. 

WELLS: 

David  Lewis,  Esq. 

CASTLETON: 

Mr.  John  Whitlock. 

WESTHAVEN  : 

Mr.  Gilbert  Hard. 

MIDDLEBURY: 

Joel  Doolittle,  Esq. 

POULTNEY : 
Mr.  Z.  Lewis. 


JOVRXAL-1811.       '  119 

The  Kt.  Kev.  the  Bishop  was  requested  to  sit  as  Presi- 
dent of  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson  was  chosen  Secretary. 
Adjourned  to  half  past  3  o'clock. 

Half  past  3  o'clock. 
The  Convention  met. 

The  Eev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev.  Parker  Adams, 
Daniel  Chipman,  Esq.,  Dudley  Chase,  Esq.  and  Anson  J. 
Sperry,  Esq.,  were  chosen  the  Standing  Committee  for  the 
year  ensuing. 

Resolved,  That  the  Standing  Committee  be  and  they  are 
hereby  authorized,  in  behalf  of  this  Convention,  to  concur 
with  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Donations  in  Boston  in  such 
mode  of  conveyance  of  the  Lands  of  the  Propagation  Society 
in  this  State,  as  said  Board  shall  deem  proper.* 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson  presented  the  form  of  a  Canon, 
directing  the  mode  of  trying  Clergymen  accused  of  misde- 
meanor, which  was  adopted,     (a) 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Adams  presented  the  form  of  Canon, 
pointing  out  the  mode  of  forming  Churches,  which  was 
adopted,  (b) 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Adams,  Resolved,  That  the 
thanks  of  this  Convention  be  presented  to  the  Rt.  Rev.  the 
Bishop  for  his  assistance  as  President  of  this  Convention, 


*  This  Board  was  incorporated  by  the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts 
in  1810,  under  the  name  of  "  The  Trustees  of  Donations  to  the  Episcopal 
Church." 

"At  the  origin  of  the  Society,  about  five  thousand  seven  hundred  dollars 
were  raised,  forming  the  Bishop's  Fund  ;  the  interest  of  which,  together 
with  the  yearly  subscription  of  nearly  eighty  members  from  various  parts 
of  the  Diocese,  was  to  be  appropriated  to  the  Bishop."  "A  further  design 
of  the  incorporation  is,  to  recover  from  loss,  and  to  protect  for  tlie  benefit 
of  various'particular  churches  throughout  the  Diocese,  a  vast  landed  prop- 
erty, the  benefit  of  which,  several  Churches  are  now  enjoying  ;  and  there 
is  a  reasonable  prospect,  that,  in  a  few  years,  many  others  will  realize  sim- 
ilar advantages..  To  these  objects  the  Society  have  given  constant  and 
unwearied  exertion."     Gospel  Advocate,  vol.  iii,  p,  33. 


120  .  JOUBJVAL-1811. 

and  likewise  for  his  Sermon  this  day  delivered  before  the 
Convention,  requesting  a  copy  of  the  same  for  the  press. 

The  Secretary  was  directed  to  present  the  foregoing  Res- 
olution and  Request  to  the  Bishop  which  was  done  by  him 
accordingly. 

Voted,  That  the  next  Convention  of  this  Church  be  held 
at  Middlebury. 

Adjourned,  sine  die. 


PAEOCHIAL   REPORTS. 

The  Rev.  Parker  Adams  for  the  seven  months  last  past  report- 
ed as  follows : 

Vergennes  :  Baptisms — children,  5.  Middlebury  :  Baptisms — 
children,  10.  Charlotte :  Baptisms — children,  4.  Abroad  :  Bap- 
tisms— children  7,  adult  1. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  for  the  past  year  reported  as 
follows : 

Arlington:  Baptisms — adult  1,  children  4.  Manchester:  Bap- 
tisms— adult  1,  children  4.     Abroad:  Baptisms — children,  2. 

Marriages  at  Arlington,  2 ;  Communicants,  44.  Communicants 
at  Manchester,  13. 

CANONS 
Passed  by  the  Convention,  June  26th,  1811. 

(a)  Canon  I.  Of  the  mode  of  trying  Clergymen  accused  of 
misdemeanor. 

Whenever  any  Clergyman  of  this  Church  shall  be  accused  of 
infidelity,  heresy,  vice  or  irregularity  of  any  kind,  the  accuser  or 
accusers  shall  transmit  a  copy  of  the  charge,  signed  by  him  or 
them,  to  the  Standing  Comnuttee ;  and  if  they  shall  deem  it  wor- 
thy of  notice,  they  shall  report  thereupon  to  the  Bishop,  who  may 
summon  a  council  of  his  Clergy,  not  less  than  three,— a  copy  of 
the  charge  and  due  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  trial  being 


JOJJBKAL-lSll.  121 

likewise  communicated  to  the  party  accused, — and  after  a  full  and 
fair  investigation  of  the  suhject,  the  Bishop  may  pronounce  sen- 
tence in  the  case.  If  any  minister  degraded  by  this  Canon,  shall 
consider  himself  agrieved,  he  shall  be  allowed  an  appeal  to  the 
House  of  Bishops. 

(b)     Canon  II.     Of  the  manner  of  forming  Churches. 

As  it  is  deemed  impracticable  at  present  to  fix  boundaries  to 
the  several  cures  that  may  be  formed  in  this  State,  and  as  it  is 
important  to  be  entitled  to  the  privileges  of  incorporated  relig- 
ious societies  in  this  State,  each  Church  hereafter  to  be  formed 
shall,  agreeably  to  the  law  of  this  State,  form  themselves  on  the 
following  plan.  A  Minister,  with  the  advice  of  the  Clergy  in 
regular  standing  in  this  State,  shall  give  notice  in  time  of  public 
service  to  the  Episcopalians  of  any  town  two  weeks  previous  to 
the  time  of  Meeting.  At  which  meeting  shall  be  chosen  by  bal- 
lot or  otherwise,  two  Wardens,  and  three  or  more  Vestrymen,  to 
hold  office  until  their  successors  are  cJiosen,  which  may  be  done 
annually.  The  accession  of  members  at  the  first  meeting  shall 
be  by  subscribing  a  written  instrument  expressive  of  their  inten- 
tion to  join.  No  person  that  has  subscribed  said  instrument  shall 
be  exempt  from  any  regulations  or  restrictions  of  said  Society  till 
he  shall  have  presented  to  the  Wardens,  or  Clerk  of  said  Society, 
a  certificate  in  writing,  that  he  wishes  no  longer  to  be  considered 
a  member  of  said  society.  Any  Society  thus  formed,  with  an 
appropriate  name,  shall  be  considered  in  union  with  the  Church 
in  this  State,  and  shall  be  entitled  to  a  delegation  to  the  State 
Convention.  Any  number  of  Episcopalians  may,  without  the 
presence  or  direction  of  a  Clergyman,  form  themselves  into  a 
Society,  and  submit  their  proceedings  to  the  Convention,  and,  if 
no  objections  appear,  shall  be  admitted  into  union. 


"At  the  General  Convention  in  1811,  by  the  assistance  of  the 
Hon.  Rufus  King  of  New-York,  a  Resolution  passed  the  lower 
House,  requesting  the  presiding  Bishop  to  address  a  letter  to  the 
Society  in  our  behalf.  Much  other  preparation  was  also  made  for 
a  vigorous  application,  as  soon  as  a  friendly  intercourse  should 
be  opened  between  the  two  countries.     This  took  place,  as  is  well 


122  JOURJ^AL-1812. 

known,  in  the  beginning  of  1815."  Mr.  Bronson's  Letters. 
Gambier  Observer,  Nov.  7,  1834.  Episcopal  Recorder,  Feb. 
28,  1835. 

While  these  steps  were  taken  in  this  country  in  regard  to  the 
Propagation  Rights,  the  Society  in  England,  on  account  of  the 
various  applications  and  representations  made  to  them,  were 
giving  the  subject  of  their  property  in  this  State  more  definite 
and  serious  consideration. 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  Society  on  the  16th  of  November  1810, 
the  Secretary  of  the  Society  was  directed  to  obtain  the  fullest  and 
most  particular  information  respecting  the  nature  and  value  of 
the  rights  of  the  Society  to  the  lands  in  Vermont,  with  the  best 
means  of  recovering  and  rendering  the  same  available,"  Peters' 
Reports,  vol.  iv,  p.  483. 


1812. 

MiDDLEBURY,  Jiine  24th,  1812. 
The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  State  of  Vermont  met  pursuant  to  constitutional  ap- 
pointment.    Present, 

The  Kev.  Parker  Adams, 
The  Rev.  Stephen  Jewett. 

WELLS : 

David  Lewis,  Esq. 

CASTLETON  : 

John  Whitlock. 

VERGENNES: 
Ezra  Perry. 

FAIRFIELD: 

Bradley  Barlow. 

Stephen  Hard,  Daniel  Chipman,  Horatio  Seymour, 
George  Cleveland  and  Joel  Doolittle  were  requested  to  take 
seats  in  the  Convention. 


JOVBKAL-lsn.  123 

The  Convention  being  assembled,  the  Eev.  Parker  Ad- 
ams was  chosen  President  and  Joel  Doolittle,  Secretary. 

The  Eev.  Parker  Adams,  the  Kev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the 
Rev.  Stephen  Jewett,  Anson  J.  Sperry,  Daniel  Chipman, 
Ezra  Perry  and  Horatio  Seymour  were  duly  chosen  a  Stand- 
ing Committee  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Rev.  Parker  Adams,  the  Rev.  Stephen  Jewett,  the 
Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Anson  J.  Sperry,  Abijah  Williams 
and  Francis  Bradbury  were  duly  chosen  Delegates  from  the 
Diocese  of  Vermont  to  the  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Dio- 
cese to  be  holden  at  Providence,  R.  I.,  in  September  next. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Kewley  was  duly  appointed  to  preach 
a  Sermon  at  the  next  annual  Convention  in  this  Diocese, 
and  the  Rev.  Parker  Adams,  in  case  Dr.  Kewley  should  fail 
to  be  present,  was  appointed  his  Substitute. 

Pursuant  to  the  45th  Canon  of  the  General  Convention 
the  Parochial  Reports  were  called  for  and  read  as  follows  : 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Vergennes  :  Baptisms  —  adults  2,  childrea 
9  ;  Funerals  10 ;  Marriage  1 ;  Communicants,  16. 

The  First  Episcopal  Society  of  Addison  County,  Middlelury  : 
Baptisms  —  adult,  1,  infant,  1;  Communicants,  10.  The  Rev. 
Parker  Adams,  officiating  Minister  in  both  places. 

In  JPawlet,  Wells,  and  other  neighboring  towns  in  Vermont: 
Baptisms — adult  1,  infants,  19;  Funerals,  5;  Marriages,  2. 

S.  Jewett,  Minister. 

Pawlet,  June  22,  1812, 

Resolved  by  the  Convention,  That  the  several  Churches 
in  Union  with  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State 
of  Vermont,  be  requested  to  raise  by  contribution  or  other- 
wise such  sum  or  sums  of  money  as  they  may  think  proper 
to  be  transmitted  by  their  respective  Delegates,  to  the  An- 
nual Convention,  to  be  appropriated  in  such  way  as  said 
Convention  may  deem  expedient. 

Convention  adjourned. 

Attest,     JOEL  DOOLITTLE,  Secretary. 


124       .  JOURMAL-lSn. 

September  30,  1812,  the  Biennial  Convention  of  tte  Eastern 
Diocese  met  in  Providence,  R.  I.  The  Rev.  Parker  Adams  was 
the  only  delegate  present  from  Vermont. 

Bishop  Griswold  made   the  following  statement  rsspecting  his 
official  acts  and  the  condition  of  the  Diocese : 
"  Respected  Brethren, 

THE  Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates  of  this  Convention  : — 

I  now  for  the  first  time  meet  you  since  my  appointment  to  the 
Episcopal  jurisdiction  in  this  Diocese ;  and  the  45th  Canon  of 
the  General  Convention  makes  it  my  duty  on  this  occasion  to  lay 
before  you  the  situation  of  our  Churches  and  the  official  duties 
which  I  have  performed.  With  very  few  exceptions,  I  have  vis- 
ited the  Churches  of  this  Diocese  once,  and  some  of  them  a  sec- 
ond time,  and  the  present  appearances  are,  that  most  of  them  are 
increasing  in  numbers  and  piety,  and  attentive  to  the  doctrines 
and  discipline  of  the  Church.  In  these  visitations  I  have  admin- 
istered the  holy  rite  of  Confirmation  to  1212  persons,  and  have 
very  generally  and  with  much  satisfaction  witnessed  the  appear- 
ance of  great  sincerity  and  devotion  in  those  who  received  it. 
St.  John's  Church  in  Providence  and  St.  Andrew's  Church,  in 
Hanover,  Massachusetts,  have  been  consecrated  to  the  service  of 
God.  Messrs  Chever  Felch,  Walter  Cranston,  John  P.  K.  Hen- 
shaw  and  Evan  M.  Johnson  have  been  admitted  as  Candidates 
for  Holy  Orders.  The  Rev.  Aaron  Humphrey  has  been  ordained 
to  the  holy  order  of  Deacons.  The  Rev.  Parker  Adams  and  the 
Rev.  Charles  Burroughs,  deacons,  have  been  ordained  Presbyters. 
Mr.  Humphrey  officiates  at  Gardner,  in  the  District  of  Maine;  Mr. 
Adams  in  the  Churches  at  Middlebury  and  Vergennes,  in  Ver- 
mont. The  Rev.  Stephen  Jewett,  Deacon,  officiates  one  half  of 
the  time  at  Pawlet  and  Wells  in  the  last  mentioned  State.  The 
Rev.  Joab  G.  Cooper  from  the  State  of  New- York  has  been  insti- 
tuted in  the  Church  at  Hanover,  Mass.  and  Mr.  Burroughs  in  the 
Church  at  Portsmouth. 

To  this  statement,  Brethren,  I  have  only  to  add  my  prayers 
that  the  Lord  will  inspire  us  with  wisdom,  unity  and  zeal,  and 
that  He  will  direct  our  counsels  and  prosper  our  labors  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  His  glory  and  ye  prosperity  of  his  people. 

ALEXANDER  V.  GRISWOLD." 


JO  UBJfAL-1 813.  125 

The  foregoing  Address  was  copied  from  the  Eecords  of  the 
Eastern  Diocese  before  referred  to. 


1813. 

MiDDLEBURY,  JuUG  23(1,  1813. 

The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  State  of  Vermont  met  pursuant  to  constitutional  ap- 
pointment, and  on  motion,  adjourned  to  the  24th  inst.  at 
two  o'clock,  P.  M. 

June  24th,  1813. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment.     Present 
from  abroad. 

The  Eev.  Simon  Wilmer,  of  New  Jersey. 
The  Kev.  Mr.  Humphrey,  of  Massachusetts. 
The  Hon.  Daniel  Chipman  was  chosen  President  and  Joel 
Doolittle,  Secretary. 

The  following  persons  were  duly  chosen  as  the  Standing 
Committee  for  this  Diocese,  for  the  year  ensuing,  viz.  the 
Eev.  Parker  Adams,  the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Anson 
J.  Sperry,  Esq.,  Daniel  Chipman,  Esq.  and  Horatio  Sey- 
mour, Esq. 

The  following  persons  were  duly  chosen  as  Deputies  to  the 
Greneral  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  United  States,  viz. 

Clerical. 
The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  The  Rev.  J.  P.  K.  Henshaw. 
The  Rev.  Parker  Adams, 

Lay. 
Truman  Squier,  Esq.,  Hon.  Horatio  Seymour, 

Jonathan  Baker,  Esq.,  Col.  Bradley  Barlow, 

Sylvester  Doming,  Esq.,  Nathan  Lob  dell, 

Anson  J.  Sperry,  Esq.,  Daniel  Henshaw. 

Joel  Doolittle,  Esq., 


126  JOUR^J.L-1814. 

Voted,  That  the  next  Convention  be  holden  at  Fairfield 
in  the  County  of  Franklin. 

The  Convention  adjourned,  without  day. 

Attest,     JOEL  DOOLITTLE,  Secretary. 


1814. 

Fairfield,  June  22d,  1814. 

The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
State  of  Vermont  met  agreeably  to  appointment. 

The  Kev.  Abraham  Bronson  read  Prayers  and  the  Rev. 
J.  P.  K.  Henshaw  delivered  a  Sermon. 

Col.  Bradley  Barlow  of  Fairfield,  Ebenezer  Marvin,  Jun. 
Esq.,  of  St.  Albans  and  Mr.  Abijah  Hawley  of  Fairfax,  took 
their  seats  as  lay  Delegates. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Henshaw  was  requested  to  sit  as  President 
of  the  Convention,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson  was  chosen 
Secretary. 

Voted,  That  all  the  gentlemen  present  belonging  to  the 
Church  be  admitted  to  seats  in  this  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  George  Cleveland  and  Anson 
J.  Sperry,  Esq.,  were  appointed  the  Standing  Committee  of 
this  Diocese  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Daniel  Chipman,  Esq.,  An- 
son J.  Sperry,  Esq.,  Elizur  Hubbard,  Esq.,  and  Doct.  Sam- 
uel Cutler  were  appointed  Delegates  to  represent  this  Diocese 
in  the  next  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese. 

The  next  annual  Convention  of  this  Diocese  was  appoint- 
ed at  Arlington.  , 

Adjourned. 

Attest,     ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  Secretary. 


JOVRMAL-1814.  127 

It  is  deemed  proper  to  append  to  the  foregoing  Journal,  a  part 
of  the  Charge  to  the  Clergy  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  delivered  by- 
Bishop  Griswold  before  the  Biennial  Convention  in  Portsmouth', 
N.  H.,  Sept.  28,  1814.  The  lapse  of  time  has  in  no  way  impaired 
the  pertinency  of  it : 

"Reverend  Brethren  in  Christ, 

AND  Christian  Friends  : — 
The  twenty-third  Canon  of  the  General  Convention  makes  it 
the  duty  of  every  Bishop  of  our  Church  in  these  United  States,  to 
deliver  'Charges  to  the  Clergy  of  his  Diocese.'  This  duty,  in  the 
events  of  Divine  Providence,  has  devolved  upon  one  the  least 
worthy  to  address  you  on  such  an  occasion,  and  who,  at  the 
present  time  would  rather  hear  than  speak.  But,  called  as  I  am 
to  this  office,  it  is  fruitless  to  waste  your  time  with  apologies,  or 
to  anticipate  those  defects,  which  too  soon  will  be  apparent.  The 
discourse  which  is  well  heard,  'with  an  honest  and  good  heart,' 
and  faithfully  applied  to  practical  purposes,  is  seldom  wholly 
unprofitable ;  and  this  good  result  may  at  least  be  expected  from 
the  following  observations.  It  will  be  attempted  to  show  the 
state  and  progress  of  our  spiritual  labors,  and  direct  your  atten- 
tion to  some  of  those  important  duties,  to  which,  as  ministers  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  God,  we  are  now 
more  especially  called." 

"First  of  all  we  ought,  brethren,  and  most  earnestly,  to  call  for 
united  and  fervent  acknowledgements  of  gratitude  and  praise  to 
the  Father  of  mercies,  and  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  this  Con- 
vention is  permitted  once  more  to  meet,  under  circumstances,  so 
auspicious  to  the  continued  peace  and  prosperity  of  our  com- 
munion. When  we  reflect  on  the  many  and  complicated  discour- 
agements and  obstacles,  under  which  the  formation  of  this  Diocese 
commenced;  the  diminished  and  declining  state  of  our  Churches* 
the  unsocial  habits  of  our  brethren,  from  their  remote  and  unor- 
ganized situation ;  while  the  avails  of  the  property,  which  had 
been  charitably  designed  for  religious  purposes,  were,  in  a  great 
degree,  diverted  into  other  channels,  and  alienated  from  the  use 
intended  by  the  pious  Donors :  and  when  we  further  consider 
notwithstanding  these  impediments,  what,  and  how  much  beyond 
our  expectation   has   been    our   prosperity ;    what   blessing   has 


128  JOTJBKAL-lSlJf. 

attended  the  few  zealous  efforts  which  have  already  been  made ; 
what  unanimity  has  prevailed  in  our  councils ;  what  success 
attended  our  measures, — must  we  not  see,  and  can  we  hesitate  to 
acknowledge  the  hand  of  God,  and  the  special  favour  of  His  kind 
Providence  ?  How  ought  this  earnest  of  His  goodness  to  awaken 
our  zeal,  and  animate  us  to  greater  and  persevering  exertions  ! 
Our  work  is  but  commenced.  How  vast  the  field  which  opens 
before  us !     The  harvest  truly  is  great,  and  the  labourers  few." 

"Among  the  things,  which  demand  your  wisest  counsels  and 
most  vigorous  efforts,  stand  first  and  most  conspicuous  the  small 
number  of  our  Churches;  the  declining  state  of  some,  which  yet 
remain ;  and  the  still  less  number  of  ministers  to  labour  in  them. 
From  the  last  of  these  evils  evidently  have  proceeded,  in  no  small 
degree,  the  other  two.  Many  opportunities  have  passed  away, 
and  now  are  lost,  where,  in  various  parts  of  these  four  States, 
Churches  with  large  and  respectable  congregations  might  have 
been  established ;  but,  through  want  of  clergymen  to  encourage 
the  wishes,  animate  the  zeal,  and  lead  the  devotions  of  the  people, 
necessity  has  compelled  them  to  form  religious  connections  less 
agreeable  to  their  choice  and  belief.  In  other  instances,  and  they 
are  not  few,  efforts  are  still  making  by  pious  individuals,  or  by 
small  organized  societies,  to  commence,  or  to  continue  their  exist- 
ence as  Episcopal  Churches ;  but  there  are  no  ministers  of  Christ 
to  second  their  exertions ;  to  preach  the  word,  and  administer 
among  them  in  holy  things.  Clouds  of  despondency  darken 
around  them;  their  efforts  languish,  and  their  zeal  is  'ready  to 
die.'  And,  notwithstanding  the  few  bright  exceptions,  which 
enliven  the  scene,  we  may  well  take  up  the  lamentation  of  the 
prophet  and  bewail  'that  the  ways  of  Zion  do  mourn;'  'her  gates 
are  desolate;'  'her  pleasant  things  decay;'  'her  people  sigh'  while 
'they  seek  their  bread;'  while  they  feel  the  'famine  of  hearing 
the  word  of  God.'  What  is  highly  necessary  to  the  increase  and 
prosperity  of  the  Church  in  every  Diocese  is  peculiarly  so  in  this  : 
a  competent  number  of  clergymen,  endued  with  knowledge,  piety 
and  zeal.  Ministers  of  Christ  we  need,  who  possess  the  spirit  of 
their  Divine  Master,  and  emulate  the  fidelity  of  His  first  Apostles; 
who  have  a  serious  concern  for  the  salvation  of  mankind; — a  deep 
sense  of  the  truths  which  they  teach,  and  who  illustrate  and 


JOVRKAL-1814.  129 

enforce  their  heavenly  doctrine,  by  their  own  good  example.  We 
need  those,  who  will  *  seek  first  the  Kingdom  of  God  and  His 
righteousness;'  whose  meat  and  drink  it  is  to  do  His  will;  who 
can  renounce  the  world  for  Christ's  sake,  and  prefer  His  glory  to 
their  own.  In  Churches,  well  established,  a  very  moderate  share 
of  these  necessary  things  —  a  decent  deportment,  and  formal 
routine  of  official  duties,  may  preserve  them  from  decline.  But 
here  we  have  to  strengthen  the  things  which  remain  :  we  have  to 
build  up  the  waste  places  of  Zion ;  to  repair  the  ruins  of  what  is 
decayed ;  nay,  to  build  anew  from  the  foundation.  There  is  still, 
in  many  places,  a  call  for  our  labours,  where,  by  proper  means 
and  due  attention,  new  Churches  of  our  communion  may  yet, 
with  the  Divine  blessing,  be  raised  up ;  where  we  may  apparently 
be  very  instrumental  in  promoting  the  general  interests  of  good  ■ 
morals  and  true  religion ;  of  extending  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom, 
and  the  knowledge  and  comforts  of  His  Salvation  ;  and  contrib- 
uting to  the  increase  and  stability  of  public  happiness  and  social 
order." 

"  It  is  a  duty  then,  highly  incumbent,  brethren,  on  us,  whom 
the  Lord  has  set  as  watchmen  on  this  portion  of  Zion's  towers 
by  all  possible  means,  to  supply  this  deficiency  of  labourers ;  by 
praying  fervently  and  daily,  that  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  will 
send  them ;  by  encouraging  worthy  clergymen  to  come  amongst 
anil  continue  with  us,  and  by  bringing  forward  suitable  candidates 
for  the  holy  ministry :  remembering,  however,  that  their  qualifi- 
cations are  far  more  essential,  than  their  numbers.  Those,  who 
have  not  the  necessary  foundation  of  inward  piety  and  love  of 
God — who  appear  not,  from  conscientious  motives  and  a  deep 
sense  of  its  importance,  to  be  seriously  and  zealously  engaged  in 
the  sacred  cause,  however  splendid  or  popular  may  be  their  talents, 
will  be  of  little  real  use  in  any  Church,  and  least  of  all  in  ours. 
There  are  those,  we  fear,  and  their  numbers  not  few,  who  run 
to  this  work  before  they  are  sent ;  who  enter  the  sacred  ministry, 
without  a  due  sense  of  its  nature,  and  of  the  awful  responsibility 
attached  to  the  office.  Those,  most  worthy  and  best  qualified, 
are  often  the  most  diffident ;  and  such  should  be  sought  for  and 
encouraged  to  devote  themselves  to  God.  We  need  such,  as  have 
the  good  of  religion  more  at  heart,  than  its  emoluments :  those, 


130  JO  VRNAL-1 8 14. 

who  follow  Christ  for  His  sake ;  who  are  willing  to  labour,  before 
they  reap — to  make  some  sacrifice  in  the  Kedeemer's  cause,  that 
the  poor  may  have  the  Gospel  preached  unto  them." 

"It  is  a  further  duty,  incumbent  on  us,  in  which,  however,  we 
can  do  but  little  without  the  aid  of  our  lay  brethren  and  the 
people  of  our  congregations,  to  supply  such  Churches  as  are  poor 
and  destitute,  with  the  preaching  of  the  Word,  the  administration 
of  the  Sacraments  and  other  means  of  religious  edification." 

"True  it  is,  that  each  minister  of  Christ  has  his  peculiar  charge 
— his  family  of  Christians  to  provide  for — a  little  flock  committed 
to  his  care.  In  this  charge  it  is  indeed  of  the  first  importance, 
that  he  be  found  faithful — that  the  blessings  of  religion  be  diffused 
through  every  part  of  his  cure,  and  each  cottage  be  consoled  with 
the  salvation  of  our  God.  But  we  are  bound  to  extend  our  care, 
as  the  Lord  shall  give  us  means,  to  other  parts  of  His  vineyard, 
and  call  upon  our  flocks  to  assist  us.  In  this  labour  of  love, 
should  every  Christian,  according  to  his  state  and  abilities,  unite. 
And  what  Christian  will  say,  that  he  cannot  contribute  something, 
to  so  good  a  work  ?  And  who,  that  is  able,  will  refuse  to  assist 
us  ?  Freely  have  we  received  :  freely  let  us  give.  Shall  any,  to 
whom  the  arm  of  the  Lord  is  revealed — who  are  called  to  a 
knowledge  of  Divine  grace,  and  enjoy  themselves  the  blessings  of 
the  Gospel,  feel  no  solicitude  to  dispense  the  same  blessings  to  all 
whom  they  equally  concern  ?  Are  we  refreshed,  at  the  fountain 
of  living  waters,  with  bread  enough  and  to  spare,  and  yet  have 
no  compassion  for  those  who  are  perishing  with  hunger? — who 
are  parched  in  a  thirsty  land  where  no  water  is  ?" 

"  Is  it  not  a  fact,  that  we  place  improper  reliance  upon  our 
orthodoxy,  as  supposing  that  truth  will  spread  of  itself  and  bear 
away  the  prize ;  while  others  on  a  worse  foundation,  by  using 
better  diligence,  build  with  more  rapidity  ?  How  is  it  to  be 
lamented  that  knowledge  and  zeal,  which  God  has  joined  together, 
should  so  often  by  man  be  put  asunder !  Divine  truth  was  never 
popular  in  this  world,  and  never  will  be  popular,  till  the  nature  of 
man  is  changed.  While  the  true  labourer  sleeps,  the  enemy,  ever 
vigilant,  sows  tares ;  and  when  sown,  they  take  such  root  that 
they  must  grow.  They  who  are  zealous  in  propagating  the  doc- 
trines of  Christ,  though  with  some  mixture  of  error,  will  be  more 


JOURJfAL-1814.  131 

successful,  and  indeed  more  useful,  than  others  who,  with  a 
sounder  creed,  are  lukewarm.  If  we  would  maintain  that  rank 
among  the  champions  of  the  cross  to  which  we  think  ourselves 
entitled,  let  us  not  rely  on  the  paper  arms  of  canons,  creeds  and 
articles ;  but  put  on  the  whole  armour  of  God  :  let  us  press 
forwards  amidst  the  perils  of  the  holy  warfare,  the  first  in  labours, 
or  not  the  first  in  fame.  When  Peter  the  Apostle  was  going 
forth  to  the  good  fight  of  faith,  how  did  his  Master  direct  him  to 
distinguish  his  love  above  that  of  others  ?  By  his  fidelity  in 
dispensing  the  words  of  life:  'feed  my  lambs — feed  my  sheep.' 
Those  who  thus  'rule  well,'  and  'labour  in  the  word  and  doctrine,' 
with  fidelity,  shall  'be  counted  worthy  of  double  honour.'  Let  us 
be  so  distinguished." 


To  this  Convention  Bishop  Griswold  made  the  following 
Address ; 

"  Respected  Brethren  and  Friends  : 

After  the  exercises  already  performed,  it  would  be  inexpedi- 
ent to  detain  this  Convention  with  any  further  Address  than  what 
is  indispensably  required  by  the  45th  Canon ;  according  to  the 
requisitions  of  which  I  shall  proceed  briefly  to  lay  before  you  the 
state  of  the  Churches  and  my  official  ministrations  since  your  last 
meeting. 

In  the  course  of  the  two  years  confirmations  have  been  holden 
at  Newport,  Bristol  and  Providence;  at  Trinity  and  Christ 
Churches  in  Boston;  also  at  Salem,  Newbury  Port,  Dedham, 
Newton,  Greenfield;  at  Portsmouth,  Claremont,  Middlebury, 
Fairfield  and  Cornish.  Other  Churches  have  been  visited.  The 
whole  number  confirmed  is  429.  The  administration  of  this  rite 
appears  generally  to  have  been  attended  with  the  Divine  blessing, 
and  to  have  had  a  very  good  and  pleasing  effect  in  exciting  piety 
and  devout  affections ;  and  most  earnestly  is  it  to  be  wished  that 
the  friends  of  our  Church — its  ministers  especially,  were  more 
careful  and  diligent  to  teach  the  nature,  design  and  usefulness  of 
Confirmation,  that  all  may  know  and  feel  their  duty,  and  be  pre- 
pared to  receive  it  with  those  godly  motives  and  pious  affections 
which  are  chiefly  necessary  to  the  obtaining  of  the  spiritual  bene- 
fits of  this  ordinance. 


132  JOUBJfAL-1814. 

Two  new  Cliurches  in  Massacliusetts,  at  Newton  and  Green- 
field, have  been  erected,  and  solemnly  consecrated  to  the  worship 
of  Almighty  God.  The  zeal  and  pious  labours  of  the  congrega- 
tions or  people,  through  whose  great  exertions,  assisted  by  the 
generous  contributions  of  many  individuals  in  other  towns  and 
States,  these  Churches  have  been  erected,  merit  the  thanks  and 
the  applause  of  every  Christian ;  and  with  great  pleasure  do  I 
take  this  opportunity  of  bearing  testimony  to  their  laudable  exam- 
ple. With  some  further  encouragement  and  aid  from  their  chari- 
table Christian  friends  there  is  a  good  prospect  that  through  the 
blessing  of  God,  two  flourishing  parishes  will  be  added  to  our 
communion. 

The  Rev.  Nathaniel  Huse,  Deacon  of  Connecticut  has  been 
ordained  priest;  and  Mr.  Evan  M.  Johnson,  then  of  the  same 
state,  Deacon.  Messrs.  John  P.  K.  Henshaw,  Titus  Strong,  and 
Silas  S.  Safford,  have  also  been  admitted  to  the  order  of  Deacons. 
On  the  list  of  Candidates  for  Holy  Orders  in  this  Diocese,  there 
remain  Messrs.  Chever  Felch,  Walter  Cranston,  James  B.  Howe, 
Thomas  Carlisle  and  Isaac  Bayle. 

By  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Nathaniel  Fisher  the  Church  in  Salem 
has  become  and  still  remains  vacant.  The  Churches,  also,  in 
Marblehead,  Gardiner,  Vergennes,  and  several  others  are  destitute 
of  ministers  in  Holy  Orders.  The  Rev.  Parker  Adams  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Henshaw  have  removed  from  this  Diocese  into  the  State 
of  New- York.  The  Rev.  James  Bowers  officiates  in  Narragan- 
set,  the  Rev.  Titus  Strong  in  Greenfield,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Safford  in 
Middlebury. 

Agreeably  to  a  resolution  of  the  Biennial  Convention  of  1812, 
a  circular  Address  was  sent  to  the  several  Churches  in  the  Diocese 
for  a  contribution  on  the  ensuing  Easter,  which  with  very  few 
exceptions  was  complied  with,  and  the  sum  of  about  550  dollars 
transmitted  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Board  of  the  Trustees  of 
Donations,  This  favourable  commencement  promised  a  little  fund 
which  would  be  of  very  great  utility  to  this  Diocese,  where  are 
many  small  Churches  which  very  much  need  charitable  assistance. 
But  these  pleasing  anticipations  have  been  since  but  partially 
realized.  On  Easter  last  but  few  Churches  had  any  contributions, 
and  the  whole  sura  collected  was  but  about  150  Dollars.     Of 


JOUB.YAL-1814.  133 

these  contributions  165  dollars  have  been  appropriated  to  the 
printing  and  distributing  of  tracts,  which  from  some  peculiar  cir- 
cumstances, not  unfavourable,  has  been  delayed.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Henshaw  was  employed  about  one  year  as  a  missionary,  who  oflfi- 
ciated  chiefly  in  Marblehead  and  received  from  this  fund  100  dol- 
lars. The  Rev.  Mr.  Humphery  has  also  been  engaged  to  officiate 
for  a  few  months  in  Taunton  and  Bridgewater.  To  him  50  dollars 
have  been  paid,  and  about  as  much  more  is  probably  due.  We 
have  made  a  reserve  in  favour  of  some  other  Churches,  especially 
in  Vermont,  still  hoping  to  find  some  fit  person  to  send  among 
them.  There  are  also  some  petitions  for  assistance  from  this 
fund,  which  I  did  not  think  myself  authorized  to  grant  without 
the  advice  of  this  Convention. 

That  the  Lord  may  assist  our  counsels,  awaken  our  zeal,  and 
bless  our  labours  to  His  glory,  and  the  peace  and  prosperity  of 
His  Church,  is  the  sincere  prayer,  Gentlemen,  of  your  friend  and 
brother, 

ALEX.  V.  GRISWOLD." 

The  foregoing  Address  is  copied  from  the  Records  of  the 
Eastern  Diocese. 

In  the  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  in  1814  no  Delegate 
was  present  from  Vermont.  But,  seemingly  with  a  view  to  some 
petition  or  overture  from  some  party  in  this  State,  the  following 
action  was  had  in  reference  to  the  Glebe  Lands.  Although  this 
property  was  mostly  taken  from  the  Church  during  the  next  year 
by  a  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  in  the 
case  of  Pawlet  against  Clark,  yet  it  may  be  well  to  record  what, 
in  regard  to  it,  was  contemplated.  The  Convention  of  1812 
passed  a  similar  vote  respecting  the  Glebe  Lands  in  New- 
Hampshire. 

On  motion  voted  and  resolved.  That  the  Trustees  of  Donations 
to  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  be,  and  they  hereby  are 
authorized,  empowered  and  required  to  take  and  exercise  all  the 
right  and  authority  which  this  Convention  possesses  in  relation 
to  certain  Glebe  Lands,  situate  in  the  State  of  Vermont;  and 
that  said  Ti-ustees  hereafter  have  and  exercise  the  charge,  care 
and  disposition  of  the  said  lands  in  the  same  full  and  ample 
manner,  and  for  the  same  purposes  as  this  Convention  would  do ; 


134  JOURJ^AL-1815. 

to  whom  all  the  power,  right  and  authority  of  said  Convention 
in  and  about  the  premises  are  hereby  granted  and  transferred. 

Voted  and  resolved,  That  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Griswold,  Wil- 
liam Winthrop,  Esq.  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson  be,  and  they 
hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  execute  under  seal  a  suffi- 
cient conveyance  of  said  Glebe  Lands  in  conformity  to  the  pre- 
ceding vote. 

On  motion  resolved,  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  by  the 
Bishop  to  wait  on  General  Morris  of  Springfield,  Vermont,  and 
inform  him,  that  in  the  opinion  of  this  Convention,  the  Trustees 
of  Donations  to  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  are  a  proper 
authority  to  receive  in  trust  the  Church  Lands  now  in  his  posses- 
sion, and  to  request  him  to  convey  the  same  to  said  Trustees." 
Records  Eastern  Diocese. 


1815. 

Arlington,  June  28th,  1815. 
The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  Diocese  of  Vermont  met  agreeably  to  appointment. 

The  Rev.  Stephen  Jewet  read  Prayers  and  the  Rev.  Silas 
Safford  delivered  a  Sermon. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Arlington, 
The  Rev.  Silas  Safford,  Middlebury, 
Mr.  Enos  Canfield,  Arlington, 
Mr.  Jeremiah  Stratton,  Manchester, 
Mr.  Calvin  Sell  an,  Middlebury, 
took  their  seats  as  Members  of  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  vs^as  chosen  President  and 
Anson  J.  Sperry,  Secretary. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev.  Silas  Safford  and 
Anson  J.  Sperry  were  appointed  the  Standing  Committee 
of  this  Diocese  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Pursuant  to  the  45th  Canon  of  the  General  Convention 
the  Parochial  Reports  were  called  for  and  read  as  follows  : 


JOVRXAL-1815.  135 

ARLINGTON. 

THE  REV.  ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  —  Adult,  1 ;  Children,  7 ;  Marriages,  3  ;  Funerals,  2 ; 
Communicants,  75. 

MANCHESTER. 

THE  REV  ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  —  Children,    5;    Marriages,   1;    Funerals,  3;    Com- 
municants, 20 ;  Funerals,  abroad,  2. 

MIDDLEBURY. 

THE  REV.  SILAS  SAFFORD,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  —  Children,  6  ;  Baptisms  abroad,  Children,  1 ;  Funer- 
als, 4 ;  Marriages,  2. 

The  foUov^ing  Preamble  and  Kesolution  were  passed  : 
Whereas  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Donations  to  the  Protes- 
tant Episcopal  Church,  in  the  Eastern  Diocese,  in  the 
United  States  of  America,  in  view  of  a  Resolution  of  the 
General  Convention,  of  the  Bishops,  Clergy  and  Laity  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  said  States,  holden  in  the 
City  of  New  Haven,  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  May  1811, 
have  recommended  to  the  Venerable  Society  for  the  Propa- 
gation of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  in  England,  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Alexander  Viets  Griswold,  Bishop  of  the  Eastern 
Diocese,  of  Rhode  Island,  the  Rev.  Silas  Saflford,  the  Rev. 
Abraham  Bronson,  the  Hon.  Daniel  Chipman  and  Anson  J. 
Sperry,  Esq.  of  Vermont,  all  of  said  Diocese,  as  Agents  and 
Attornies,  to  whom  the  Society  may  with  safety  confide  the 
care  of  their  Lands,  in  said  State  of  Vermont,  therefore  in 
pursuance  of  said  Resolution  of  the  General  Convention 
aforesaid — 

Resolved,  That  the  Ecclesiastical  Convention  of  Vermont 
do  fully  approve  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Alexander  Viets  Griswold, 


136  JO  UBJfAL-1 815. 

Bishop  of  the  Eastern  Diocese,  including  the  State  of  New- 
Hampshire,  Ehode-Island,  Massachusetts  and  Vermont,  of 
Ehode-Island,  the  Kev.  Silas  Safford,  the  Kev.  Abraham 
Bronson,  the  Hon.  Daniel  Chipman,  and  Anson  J.  Sperry, 
Esq.  of  Vermont,  above  named  as  suitable  and  proper  persons 
as  Agents  and  Attornies,  to  whom  the  Venerable  Society 
aforesaid,  may  with  safety  confide  the  care  of  their  Lands 
above  named,  with  such  power  and  authority  as  the  Society 
shall  deem  expedient  and  proper  to  grant  ;  and  the  Standing 
Committee  of  this  Convention  are  hereby  especially  instructed 
and  directed,  from  time  to  time,  to  take  such  measures  as  they 
shall  think  most  advisable,  to  obtain  the  object  aforesaid,  (a) 
On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson  the  following  Canon 
in  leiu  of  the  second  Canon  now  in  force,  was  passed  : 

OF  THE  MODE  OF    FORMING   AND  ORGANIZING  CHURCHES. 

Whenever  any  number  of  persons  in  this  State  shall  form 
themselves  into  a  regular  Society,  of  the  persuasion  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  such  a  manner  that  will 
become  a  body  corporate  according  to  law,  and  their  proceed- 
ings shall  be  sanctioaed  by  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  or  in 
case  of  no  Bishop,  by  the  Standing  Committee  of  the  State 
Convention,  they  shall  be  admitted  to  all  the  rights  and 
privileges  of  a  regular  Church,  subject,  however,  at  all  times 
to  the  authority  and  discipline  of  said  Bishop,  or  if  there  is 
no  Bishop,  of  said  Standing  Committee. 

V'oted,  That  the  second  of  the  former  Canons  be  and  the 
same  is  hereby  repealed. 

Voted,  That  the  next  Convention  of  this  Diocese  be 
holden  at  Vergennes,  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  June, 
1816. 

The  Convention  adjourned,  without  day. 

Attest,   ANSON  J.  SPEERY,  Secretary. 


JO  VRJ^AL-1 815.  137 

(a)  Dr.  Stewart,  who  had  been  long  waiting  the  favorable 
moment,  visited  Vermont  in  May  of  that  year — 1815 — and  pro- 
posed to  take  charge  of  our  petition.  The  papers  were  immedi- 
ately prepared,  were  signed  the  next  month  in  Convention  at  Ar- 
lington and  forwarded  to  Dr.  Stewart  in  Canada,  who  set  oflf  for 
Europe  in  July.  In  December  following  the  Society  passed  a 
resolution  to  grant  our  request,  but  directed  their  Secretary  to 
require  of  the  Agents  a  bond  against  any  costs  which  might  arise 
in  suits  for  the  recovery  of  the  lands.  This  occasioned  a  delay  of 
one  year  or  more,  so  that  the  power  of  attorney  with  the  affidavits 
and  certificates  of  its  authenticity  was  not  received  till  April 
1817."  It  is  due  to  Bishop  Stewart  to  state,  that  though  he 
spent  much  time,  and  seventy  or  eighty  dollars  in  attending  to 
the  business  yet  after  a  delay  of  four  or  five  years,  he  would  accept 
of  no  more  than  sixty  dollars ;  and  even  that  he  generously  gave 
to  the  Church  in  the  States.  Bronson's  Letters,  Gambler  Obser- 
ver, Nov.  7,  1834.     Episcopal  Recorder,  Feb.  28,  1835. 

In  February  of  this  year  the  suit  of  the  Town  of  Pawlet  against 
Daniel  Clark  and  others,  commenced  in  1810,  involving  the  Glebe 
Reservations,  in  the  New  Hampshire  Grants,  was  decided  in  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  at  Washington.  The  follow- 
ing account  of  the  case,  of  the  decision,  and  of  the  subsequent 
action  of  the  State,  may  be  here  properly  inserted. 

This  was  a  case  certified  from  the  Circuit  Court  for  the  district 
of  Vermont,  in  which  upon  an  action  of  ejectment  brought  by 
the  town  of  Pawlet  to  recover  possesion  of  the  Glebe  lot  as  it  was 
called,  in  that  town,  the  opinions  of  the  Judges  of  that  court  were 
opposed  upon  the  question,  whether  judgment  should  be  rendered 
for  the  plaintiff  or  for  the  defendants,  upon  a  verdict  found,  subject 
to  the  opinion  of  the  court  upon  the  following  case  stated : 

"  In  this  cause  it  is  agreed  on  the  part  of  the  plaintiffs  that  the 
lands,  demanded  in  the  plaintiff,s  declaration,  are  a  part  of  the  land 
granted,  in  the  charter  of  the  town  of  Pawlet,  by  the  former 
Governor  of  the  province  of  New  Hampshire,  as  a  Glebe  for  the 
Church  of  England  as  by  law  established  ;  and  that  in  the  year 
1802  there  was  in  the  town  of  Pawlet  a  society  of  Episcopalians 
duly  organized  agreeably  to  the  rules  and  regulations  of  that  de- 
nomination of  Christians  heretofore  commonly  known  and  called 


138  JO  URMAL~1815. 

by  the  name  of  tlie  Church  of  England.  That  in  the  same  year  the 
said  society  contracted  with  the  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,  a  regu- 
lar ordained  Minister  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  who  then  resided 
in  Shelbourne,  in  the  County  of  Chittenden,  but  had  not  any  set- 
tlement as  clerk  or  pastor  therein,  to  preach  to  the  said  society  in 
the  town  of  Pawlet  at  certain  stated  times,  and  to  receive  the 
avails  of  the  lands  in  question,  and  that  the  said  Chittenden 
thereupon  gave  a  lease  of  the  said  land  to  Daniel  Clark  and  others? 
who  went  into  the  possession  of  the  premises,  and  still  hold  the 
same  under  the  said  lease,  and  that  the  said  Chittenden  preached 
regularly  and  administered  the  ordinances  to  the  people  of  the 
said  society,  according  to  his  said  contract,  and  received  the  rents 
and  profits  of  the  said  land  until  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1809, 
when  the  said  Chittenden  deceased;  and  that  in  1809  the  said 
Society  contracted  with  the  Rev.  Abraham  Brownson,  a  regular 
ordained  minister  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  residing  in  Manches- 
ter, and  officiating  there  a  part  of  the  time,  to  preach  to  the  said 
society  a  certain  share  of  the  time,  and  to  receive  the  rents  and 
profits  of  the  said  lands  ;  and  that  the  said  Brownson  has  regularly 
attended  to  his  duty  in  the  said  Church,  and  administered  ordi- 
nances in  the  same  until  September,  1811,  about  which  time  the 
said  Society  regularly  settled  the  Rev.  Stephen  Jewett,  who  now 
resides  in  the  said  town  of  Pawlet,  and  who  from  the  time  of  his 
settlement  is  to  receive  all  the  temporalities  of  the  said  Church. 
And  it  is  further  agreed  by  the  said  parties,  that  the  General  As- 
sembly of  the  State  of  Vermont,  on  the  5th  of  November  1805, 
did  grant  to  the  several  towns  in  this  State,  in  which  they  respect- 
ively lie,  all  the  lands  granted  by  the  king  of  Great  Britain  to  the 
Episcopalian  Church  by  law  established,  aud  that  the  lands,  in  the 
plaintiff's  declaration  mentioned  and  described,  are  part  of  the 
lands  so  granted  by  the  king  of  Great  Britain  to  the  Episcopalian 
Church." 

This  cause  was  argued  in  18)4  by  Messrs.  Pitkin  and  Web'ster, 
for  the  Plaintiffs,  and  by  Mr,  Shepherd,  for  the  Defendants.  At 
the  February  Term  1815,  Mr.  Justice  Story  delivered  the  Opinion 
of  the  majority  of  the  Court.  This  opinion  was  "  that  upon  the 
special  statement  of  facts  by  the  parties,  judgment  ought  to  pass 
for  the  Plaintiffs." 


JO  UBjYAL-1  815.  139 

The  following  synopsis  will  indicate  the  ground  taken  by  the 
Majority  of  the  Court : 

This  Court  has  jurisdiction,  where  one  party  claims  land  under 
a  grant  from  the  State  of  New-Hampshire,  and  the  other  under  a 
grant  from  the  State  of  Vermont,  although  at  the  time  of  the  first 
grant,  Vermont  was  part  of  New-Hampshire. 

A  grant  of  a  tract  of  land  in  equal  shares  to  sixty-three  persons, 
to  be  divided  among  them  into  sixty-eight  equal  shares,  with  a 
specific  appropriation  of  five  shares,  conveys  only  a  sixty-eighth 
part  to  each  person.  If  one  of  the  shares  be  declared  to  be  "  for 
a  Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established,"  that 
share  is  not  holdeu  in  trust  by  the  grantees,  nor  is  it  a  condition 
annexed  to  their  rights  or  shares. 

The  Church  of  England  is  not  a  body-corporate,  and  cannot 
receive  a  donation  eo  nomine. 

A  grant  to  the  Church  of  such  a  place  is  good  at  common 
law,  and  vests  the  fee  in  the  parson  and  his  successors.  If  such  a 
grant  be  made  by  the  crown,  it  cannot  be  resumed  by  the  crown 
at  its  pleasure.  Land  at  common  law  may  be  granted  to  pious 
uses  before  there  is  a  grantee  in  existence  competent  to  take  it, 
and  in  the  mean  time  the  fee  will  be  in  abeyance.  Such  a  grant 
cannot  be  resumed  at  the  pleasure  of  the  crown. 

The  common  law,  so  far  as  it  related  to  the  erection  of  Churches 
of  the  Episcopal  persuasion  of  England,  the  right  to  present  or 
collate  to  such  Churches,  and  the  corporate  capacity  of  the  parsons 
thereof  to  take  in  succession,  was  recognized  and  adopted  in 
New-Hampshire.  It  belonged  exclusively  to  the  crown  to  erect 
the  Church  in  each  town  that  should  be  entitled  to  take  the  Glebe, 
and  upon  such  erection  to  collate,  through  the  Governor,  a  parson 
to  the  benefice. 

A  voluntary  society  of  Episcopalians  within  a  town,  unauthor- 
ized by  the  crown,  could  not  entitle  themselves  to  the  Glebe* 
Where  no  such  Church  was  duly  erected  by  the  crown,  the  Glebe 
remained  as  an  haereditas  Jacens,  and  the  state  which  succeeded  to 
the  rights  of  the  crown,  might,  with  the  assent  of  the  town,  alien 
or  encumber  it;  or  might  erect  an  Episcopalian  Church  therein, 
and  collate,  either  directly  or  through  the  vote  of  the  town  indi- 
rectly, its  parson,  who  would  thereby  become  seized  of  the  Glebe 


140  JOURMJ.L-1816. 

jure  ecclesicB,  and  be  a  corporation  capable  of  transmitting  tbe 
inheritance. 

By  the  Revolution,  the  State  of  Vermont  succeeded  to  all  the 
rights  of  the  crown,  to  the  unappropriated  as  well  as  appropriated 
Glebes, 

By  the  statute  of  Vermont  of  the  30th  of  October  1794,  the 
respective  towns  became  entitled  to  the  property  of  the  Glebes 
therein  situated. 

A  legislative  grant  cannot  be  repealed. 

No  Episcopal  Church  in  Vermont  can  be  entitled  to  the  Glebe, 
unless  it  was  duly  erected  by  the  crown  before  the  Revolution, 
or  by  the  State  since.  3  Curtis'  Rep.  358—374.  (9  Cranch  292.) 

An  Act  of  the  Legislature,  passed  in  1816,  properly  belongs 
here,  and  finishes  thus  far  the  history  of  the  Glebe  Rights : 

It  is  herely  enacted  ly  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont, That  the  Selectmen  of  the  town  of  Pawlet  are  hereby  au- 
thorized and  directed  to  collect  and  appropriate  the  rents  arising 
from  the  Glebe  lands  in  said  Pawlet,  to  an  amount  not  exceeding 
Five  Hundred  Dollars,  and  apply  the  monies  collected  therefrom 
to  the  discharge  and  payment  of  the  costs  and  expenses  which  the 
said  town  has  been  subject  to,  in  prosecuting  a  suit  tried  and  de- 
termined before  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  holden 
at  the  city  of  Washington,  in  favor  of  said  town  against  Daniel 
Clark  of  said  Pawlet,  any  law,  usage  or  custom  to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding."  Passed  Nov.  5,  1816.  Laws  of  Vermont 
October  Session  1816,  pp.  96,  97. 


1816. 

Vergennes,  June  26th,  1816. 

The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  State  of  Vermont,  met  agreeably  to  appointment. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  chosen  President  and 
the  Rev.  Silas  Safford,  Secretary,  pro  tern.  The  following 
gentlemen  were  present  as  Members  : 


JOURJfAL-1816.  -  141 

The  Eev.  Stephen  Beach. 

SHELBURNE: 

John  Simonds. 

VERGENNES: 

Smith  Booth. 

MIDDLEBURY : 

Daniel  Henshaw. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev.  Stephen  Beach, 
and  Anson  J.  Sperry,  were  appointed  the  Standing  Com- 
mittee for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev.  Stephen  Beach, 
the  Rev.  Silas  Saiford,  Daniel  Henshaw,  Esq.,  A.  W.  Bar- 
num,  Esq.,  Mr.  Orange  Ferris  and  Mr.  Martin  C.  Deming, 
were  appointed  Deputies  to  the  next  General  Convention  of 
the  United  States  to  be  holden  in  the  City  of  New  York,  on 
the  third  Tuesday  of  May  1817. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Arlington;  the  Rev.  Stephen 
Beech,  Fairfield;  the  Rev.  Silas  Safford,  Middlebury;  the 
Hon.  Dudley  Chase,  Randolph;  Col.  Bradley  Barlow,  Fair- 
field; A.  W.  Barnum,  Esq.,  Vergennes;  and  the  Hon.  Jona- 
than H.  Hubbard,  Windsor;  were  appointed  Delegates  to  the 
Diocesan  Convention  to  be  holden  at  Windsor  in  the  State 
of  Vermont  on  the  last  Wednesday  in  September  1816. 

Daniel  Henshaw,  Middlebury;  Maj.  John  S.  Gallop,  Shel- 
don; Thomas  Leverett,  Esq.,  Windsor;  and  Anson  J.  Sperry, 
Esq.,  Manchester;  were  appointed  as  Substitutes  for  the  above 
Delegates  to  the  Diocesan  Convention. 

Anson  J.  Sperry,  Esq.  was  elected  Secretary  of  the  Con- 
vention. 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  of  this  Convention  be  re- 
quested to  circulate  a  paper  for  subscriptions  among  the 
friends  of  the  Church,  in  this  State,  for  the  purpose  of  rais- 
ing money  to  prosecute  the  claim  of  the  Church  to  the 
Society  Lands. 


142  JOURJfJ.L-1816. 

Voted,  That  the  Standing  Committee  be  directed  to 
appoint  a  place  for  the  next  Meeting  of  this  Convention^ 
and  cause  notice  thereof  to  be  seasonably  given  in  the  pub- 
lic papers. 

Pursuant  to  the  45th  Canon  of  the  Gleneral  Convention 
the  parochial  reports  were  read  as  follows,  viz. 

ARLINGTON. 

THE  REV.  ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms — Adults,  1,  Children,  7;  Marriages,  3;  Funerals,  15  ; 
Communicants,  70. 

MANCHESTER. 

THE  REV.  ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  1 ;  Marriages,  1 ;  Funerals,  5 ;  Communicants,  20. 
MIDDLEBURY. 

THE  REV.  SILAS  SAFFORD,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms,  3;  Marriages,  1 ;  Funerals,  2;  Communicants,  13; 
FAIRFIELD. 

THE  REV.  STEPHEN  BEACH,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms,  16;  Burials,  2  ;  Communicants,  44. 
ST.  ALBANS. 

THE  REV.  STEPHEN  BEACH,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms,  10;  Burials,  1;  Communicants  10. 
SHELDON. 

THE  REV.  STEPHEN  BEACH,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms,  3;  Communicants,  11. 

The  Convention  adjourned,  sine  die. 

SILAS  SAFFORD,  Secretary  pro  tern. 


JOURXJ.L-1816.  143 

The  following  extracts  from  the  "Address  to  the  Convention  of 
the  Eastern  Diocese,  holden  at  Windsor,  Vermont,  September  25, 
1816,  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  GrisvvolJ,"  are  here  appropriate. 

"  My  Friends  and  Brethren  : 

Through  the  merciful  goodness  of  our  God  and  Saviour,  we 
are  permitted  to  convene  for  the  very  inportant  purpose  of  consul- 
ting on  the  interest  and  welfare  of  that  portion  of  Christ 's  Church 
intrusted  to  our  ministry  and  oversight,  and  to  transact  such  busi- 
ness, as  by  its  constitution  and  usage,  appertains  to  this  Conven- 
tion. It  becomes  my  duty  at  this  time  to  lay  before  you  a  state- 
ment of  my  official  proceeding  since  our  last  meeting,  and  such 
other  things  respecting  the  condition  of  our  Churches,  as  may 
assist  your  deliberations,  and  lead  to  those  measures,  which  shall 
best  promote  their  interest  and  prosperity." 

"  There  have  been  admitted,  as  Candidates  for  Holy  Orders, 
Jonathan  M.  Wainwright,  Gideon  Olney,  George  T.  Chapman, 
Joseph  R.  Andrus,  Alston  Gibbs,  Benjammin  B.  Smith,  Reuel 
Keith,  George  Otis  and Tafts." 

"  To  the  Holy  Order  of  Deacons  have  been  admitted,  Walter 
Cranston,  John  L.  Blake,  Stephen  Beach,  Thomas  Carlile,  Chever 
Felch,  George  S.  White,  Joseph  R.  Andrus,  and  George  T.  Chap- 
man. Also,  the  Rev.  Titus  Strong  and  the  Rev.  John  L.  Blake, 
Deacons,  have  been  ordained  Priests." 

"Mr.  Beach  is  now  officiating  in  Fairfield,  Sheldon  and  St.  Albans, 
in  Vermont :  and  of  his  success  we  have  the  most  pleasing  intelli- 
gence. A  very  considerable  number  of  communicants  have  already 
been  added  to  those  Churches.  Large  congregations  attend  his 
preaching.  A  spirit  of  religious  inquiry  and  awakened  concern  for 
the  one  thing  needful,  extensively  prevails  in  those  parts  ,  and 
cheering  are  the  prospects  of  still  greater  increase,  both  in  members 
and  piety.  At  Fairfield  they  are  erecting  a  house  for  the  worship 
of  God,  and  already  is  the  pious  work  in  great  forwardness.  Indeed 
the  number  of  new  Churches  which  are  now  building,  or  will  prob- 
ably soon  be  commenced,  is  one  of  the  best  proofs  of  the  increasing 
zeal  amongst  our  people,  for  the  service  of  God,  and  support  of 
His  holy  worship.  It  is  a  zeal  which  ought  to  be  much  encouraged 
and  a  work  to  which  we  should  lend  every  possible  aid.    The  want  of 


144  JO  TJBKAL-1 81 6 . 

Churches  is  one  of  the  great  inconveniences  which  we  have  to  con- 
tend with.  At  Bellows  Falls,  also  in  Lenox  and  Hopkinton,  in  Massa- 
chusetts, are  Churches  erecting." — ''In  Middlebury,  it  has  pleased 
the  Lord  to  pour  out  of  His  Spirit,  and  awaken  many  to  righteous- 
ness. They  also  have  it  in  serious  contemplation,  to  erect  a  house 
to  the  worship  of  Almighty  God,  and  it  is  earnestly  commended  to 
the  friends  of  our  communion,  to  assist  them  in  a  work  which  is  so 
very  important  and  interesting  to  our  Church." 

"  Most  of  the  Churches  also  in  this  Diocese  have  I,  since  the  last 
meeting  of  this  Convention,  visited  once,  and  some  of  them  twice 
or  three  times.  But  with  deep  regret  it  must  be  acknowledged 
that  duties  of  a  parish,  and  other  causes,  have  hitherto  rendered 
impracticable  such  frequent  visitations,  as  the  good  of  the  Churches 
requires:  and  some  especially  of  those  most  remote  have  been  too 
long  neglected." 

"  Confirmation  has  been  administered  once,  or  more,  in  Bridge- 
water,  Greenfield,  Salem,  Nevvburyport,  Cambridge,  Great-Bar- 
rington,  Lenox,  and  Lanesborrough,  in  Massachusetts;  in  Bristol, 
Rhode  Island ;  and  in  Arlington  and  Middlebury,  in  Vermont.  The 
whole  number  confirmed  is  but  194.  It  is  expected  soon,  the  Lord 
permitting,  that  there  will  be  confirmations  in  some  of  our  largest 
Churches.  Though  the  number  is  small,  there  is  reason  to  beleive 
and  there  is  much  comfort  in  believing,  that  the  few  who  have  re- 
ceived confirmation,  are  truly  pious,  and  such  as  will  through  divine 
grace,  lead  the  rest  of  their  life  according  to  this  beginning ;  and 
that  a  very  considerable  number  more,  of  the  like,  description,  are 
now  ready  to  be  confirmed.  There  is  cause,  however,  still  for  re- 
peating, what  was  observed  before  you  at  our  last  Convention,  that 
we  do  not,  so  generally  as  we  ought,  avail  ourselves  of  the  practical 
benefits  of  this  ordinance.  The  two  Sacraments  excepted,  there  is 
none  which  has  been  so  blest  among  us,  wherever  it  has  been 
administered." 

"  With  lively  gratitude  to  the  Father  of  mercies,  and  the  great 
Head  of  the  Church,  we  are  bound  to  acknowledge,  that  at  no 
former  period  has  the  general  state  of  religion,  in  this  Diocese, 
been  so  vigorous  and  promising.  In  many  places  are  small  socie- 
ties forming,  or  people  desirous  to  form  them ;  and  a  call  for 
Clergymen  and  missionary  labours  is  heard  in  almost  every  part. 


JOUEJfJ.L-1817.  145 

But  of  these  tbere  is  great  deficiency.  Frequently  is  the  request 
made  by  Churches  destitute,  that  ministers  may  be  sent  them  ;  but 
we  have  none  to  send ;  nor  can  we,  but  in  a  small  degree,  avail 
ourselves  of  these  favourable  circumstances.  It  is  painful,  that 
there  should  be  this  famine  of  hearing  the  word  of  God,  and  no 
means  be  found  to  relieve  it.  How  fervently,  and  without  ceasing, 
ought  we  to  pray  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  He  will  send  labour- 
ers into  it.  Had  we  a  competent  number  of  such  labourers,  as 
the  Lord  himself  sends,  how  gloriously  would  His  work  increase !  " 
Christian  Journal,  vol.  i,  pp.  209—214.     (July  1817.) 


1817. 

The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  Diocese  of  Vermont  met  according  to  appointment  at 
Middlebury  on  the  fourth  Tuesday  in  June  1817. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  present  as  Members,  viz. 
The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  The  Rev.  Stephen  Beach. 
middlebuey : 
Horatio  Seymour,  Daniel  Chipman. 

VERGENNES: 
DURAND  ROBBERTS,  SaMUEL  B.  BoOTH. 

RUTLAND : 

William  Fat,  Jesse  Gove. 

8T.  ALBANS: 

AsAHEL  Smith. 

WINDSOR : 

Thomas  Thomas. 

SHELDON: 

Joel  Clap. 

FAIRFIELD: 

Nathan  Lobdell. 

SHELBURN  and  BURLINGTON. : 

Bela  Chittenden. 


146  JOVRKAL-1817. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  elected  President  and 
George  Cleveland,  Secretary. 

The  Rev,  G-eorge  Leonard  and  Mr.  Daniel  Henshaw,  were, 
on  motion,  admitted  to  seats  in  the  Convention. 

Whereas  it  appears  that  several  Churches  in  this  State 
have  sent  more  delegates  than  is  permitted  by  the  Consti- 
tution, on  motion,  it  was  resolved,  That  they  be  permitted 
to  take  their  seats  in  the  Convention. 

The   Rev.  Stephen    Beach  presented   the  report  of  the 

Churches  in  Fairfield,  Sheldon  and  St.  Albans,  which   was 

read. 

The   Convention  adjourned   until   Thursday   next  at  8 

o'clock,  A.  M. 

Thursday  morning.  The  Convention  met  agreeably  to 
adjournment. 

Mr.  Abijah  Hawley  from  Fairfax  appeared  and  was  ad- 
mitted to  a  seat  in  the  Convention. 

The  following  persons  were  elected  the  Standing  Com- 
mittee of  the  Diocese  for  the  year  ensuing,  viz.  The 
Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev.  Stephen  Beach  and  the 
Hon.  Daniel  Chipman. 

A  Communication  was  then  read  from  the  Secretary  of 

the  General    Convention   relative  to  altering    the  time  of 

holding  the  same  from  the  third  Tuesday  in  May  to  the 

first   Tuesday  in   October  in   the    year   1823,  which  was 

agreed  to. 
Voted,  That  a  Committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  revise 

the  Constitution  and  Canons  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in 
this  State,  and  report  the  same  to  the  next  Annual  Con- 
vention. 

Whereas  there  are  several  societies  in  this  State,  profes- 
sing to  be  Episcopalians,  which  are  not  legally  formed  into 
Societies,  agreeable  to  the  Canons  of  the  Church  and  the 
Laws  of  this  State — 

Resolved,  therefore.  That  the  Secretary  of  this  Conven- 
tion be  directed  to  write  to  all  the  Societies  in  this  State 


JOVRKAL-1817.  147 

and  advise  them,  if  they  have  not  already  done  it,  so  to 
form  themselves  into  Societies  agreeable  to  the  Laws  of  this 
State,  stating  to  them  at  the  same  time,  the  importance 
thereof,  and  likewise  to  recommend  to  the  Agents  of  the 
Society's  Lands  not  to  appropriate  the  avails  of  any  such 
lands  to  such  Societies  until  they  are  regularly  and  legally 
formed,  and  that  such  Societies  be  requested  to  forward  to 
the  next  Annual  Convention  copies  of  their  respective 
Articles  of  Association,  together  with  a  particular  report 
of  the  situation  of  the  several  Churches,  at  least  so  far  as 
relates  to  the  number  of  Communicants  and  prospects,  and 
a  description  of  the  Propagation  Rights  of  land  in  their 
vicinities. 

Resolved,  That  hereafter  the  Annual  Convention  of  this 
Church  shall  be  holden  at  such  time  and  place  as  shall  be 
determined  upon  by  the  next  preceding  Annual  Convention, 
instead  of  the  fourth  Wednesday  in  June  annually  as  now 
provided  by  the  second  Article  of  the  Constitution  ;  and  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  to  give  at  least  two 
months  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  holding  such  Con- 
vention by  publication  in  one  or  more  of  the  Newspapers 
printed  in  this  State,  or  by  written  communications  to  the 
respective  Churches. 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  presented 
to  the  Rev.  Stephen  Beach  for  his  Sermon  delivered  before 
this  Convention. 

Voted,  That  the  next  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention 
of  this  Diocese  be  holden  at  Windsor  on  the  22d  day  of 
May  next. 

The  Convention  adjourned,  sine  die. 

GEORGE  CLEVELAND,  Secretary. 


To  some  persons,  the  following  paper,  the  first  Power  of  Attor- 
ney, executed  by  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel 
in  Foreign  Parts,  December  5th,  1816,  may  possess  some  interest. 
It  was  received  in  Vermont  in  April  1817.     As  the  lapse  of  time 


148  JOURJfAL-1817. 

and  circumstances  have  required,  the  appointment  of  new  and 
additional  Agents  and  Attorneys,  this  form  has  been  renewed  and 
re-issued. 

•*  To  all  people  to  whom  these  2^r^sents  shall  come :  The  Incor- 
porated Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign 
Parts,  established  at  the  City  of  London,  in  that  part  of  the  king- 
dom of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  called  England,  send  Greeting: 

Whereas  his  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq.,  and  his 
Excellency  John  Wentworth,  Esq.,  late  Governors  and  Com- 
manders in  Chief  in  and  over  the  late  Province  of  New-Hampshire, 
now  comprising  the  States  of  New-Hampshire  and  Vermont,  did 
at  divers  times  preceding  the  year  of  our  Lord,  One  Thousand, 
Seven  Hundred  and  Seventy-Five,  by  and  with  the  advice  of  the 
then  Council  of  the  then  Province  aforesaid  respectively  give  and 
grant  to  the  above  named  Society  one  original  right  or  share  of 
land  in  each  and  every  of  the  following  towns,  plantations  and 
townships,  situate  in  the  said  late  Province  now  in  the  State  of 
Vermont  aforesaid,  to  wit :  Arlington,  Andover  alias  Weston, 
Addison,  Averill,  Bridgewater,  Barnard,  Bridport,  Brunswick, 
Burlington,  Bromley  alias  Peru,  Bolton,  Brattleborough,  Berlin, 
Barnet,  Clarendon,  Castleton,  Cavendish,  Cornwall,  Charlotte, 
Colchester,  Corinth,  Dorset,  Dauby,  Duxbury,  Draper,  Dunbar, 
Essex,  Farlee,  Ferdinand,  Ferrisburgh,  Fullum,  Fairfax,  Fair- 
field, Glastenbury,  Guildhall,  Granby,  Guilford,  Georgia,  Hartford, 
Harwich  alias  Mount  Tabor,  Hinesburgh,  Highgate,  Hungerford 
alias  Sheldon,  Hubberton,  Jericho,  Killington  alias  Sherburne, 
Ludlow,  Leicester,  Lemington,  Lewis,  Lunenburgh,  Manchester, 
Maidstone,  Middlebury,  Monkton,  Minehead,  Moretown,  Middle- 
sex, Milton,  Mansfield,  Norwich,  New-Haven,  New-Fane,  New- 
Fairfield,  Neshobe  alias  Brandon,  New-Barnet,  Newbury,  New- 
Huntington,  New-Marlborough,  New-Stamford,  Orwell,  Pomfret, 
Pawlet,  Poultney,  Panton,  Pocock  alias  Bristol,  Putney,  Pitts- 
field,  Peacham,  Rupert,  Rutland,  Rockingham,  Reading,  Ryegate, 
Saltash  alias  Plymouth,  Stockbridge,  Sunderland,  Sandgate,  Straf- 
ford, Sharon,  Shaftsbury,  Somerset,  Shoreham,  Salisbury,  Stowe, 
St.  Albans,  Swanton,  Shelburne,  St.  George,  Smithfield,  Sudbury, 
Springfield,  Shrewsbury,  Thetford,  Tunbridge,  Tinmouth,  Towns- 
end,  Tomlinson,  Topsham,  Underbill,  Windsor,  Woodstock,  Wil- 


JOUBJfAL-1817.  149 

Hston,  Westford,  Whiting,  Westminster,  Weathersfield,  Winhall, 
Wells,  Wenlock,  Weybridge,  Wallingford,  Woodford,  Waterbury, 
and  Worcester. 

Now  Jcnow  ye^  that  the  said  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  have  made,  ordained,  constituted  and 
appointed,  The  Right  Reverend  Alexander  Yiets  Griswold,  D.  D. 
of  Bristol  in  the  State  of  Rhode-Island  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  the  Reverend  Abraham  Bronson  of  Arlington,  the  Rev- 
erend Silas  Safford  of  Middlebury,  Clerks,  and  the  Honorable 
Daniel  Chipman,  Esquire  of  said  Middlebury,  and  Anson  Joseph 
Sperry,  Esquire  of  Manchester,  all  in  the  State  of  Vermont  in  the 
United  States  aforesaid,  their  lawful  Agents  and  Attorneys  for 
and  in  the  name  of  said  Society,  to  ask,  demand,  sue  for,  appear, 
prosecute,  have,  recover,  and  receive  possession  of  the  aforesaid 
rights  or  shares  of  land,  in  the  aforesaid  towns,  townships  and 
plantations  in  said  State  of  Vermont,  granted  to  the  said  Society 
as  aforesaid  and  not  herein  particularly  specified,  and  for  and  in 
the  name  of  said  Society  to  lease,  let,  set  or  demise  the  aforesaid 
rights  or  shares  of  land,  or  any  part  or  parts  thereof,  to  such 
person  or  persons  and  for  such  term  or  number  of  years,  and  at 
or  under  such  yearly  or  other  rents  as  they  or  a  majority  of  them 
shall  think  fit  or  proper;  and  also  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  said 
Society  to  ask,  demand,  sue  for,  have,  recover  and  receive  all 
rents,  incomes  and  profits  which  are  or  shall  become  due  and  owing 
to  said  Society  or  in  any  way  arise  out  of  or  from  the  said  rights 
or  shares  of  land  in  any  of  the  towns,  townships  and  plantations 
as  aforesaid  to  and  for  the  uses  and  purposes  following,  to  wit : 
There  shall  be  appropriated  such  parts  and  shares  of  said  rents, 
profits  and  monies  of  the  said  several  rights,  and  shares  of  land 
as  aforesaid  as  the  Agents  and  Attorneys  shall  judge  just  and 
proper  to  the  use  and  benefit  of  such  persons  as  may  be  duly  and 
canonically  consecrated  to  the  office  of  Bishop  over  said  State  of 
Vermont  and  to  the  use  and  benefit  of  his  successors  in  the  office 
of  Bishop  in  said  State ;  and  the  remaining  income  and  profits 
of  the  aforesaid  shares  shall  be  appropriated  to  the  tise  and  sup- 
port of  a  clergyman  or  clergymen  and  his  or  their  successors  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  each  of  the  aforsaid  towns, 
townships  or  plantations,  when  a  Church  shall  be  formed  therein 


150  JOVEKAL-1817. 

and  the  worship  of  God  performed  according  to  the  Liturgy  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America ; 
and  in  the  towns,  townships  and  plantations  aforesaid,  where  no 
Church  is  established  as  aforesaid,  the  said  remaining  income, 
rents  and  profits,  shall  be  appropriated  to  the  support  of  clergy- 
men, building  of  Churches,  defraying  the  expenses  of  suits  for  the 
recovery  of  said  rights  and  shares  of  land  and  the  income  and  prof- 
its thereof,  and  for  such  other  use  and  purposes  as  the  said  Agents 
and  Attorneys  shall  judge  will  best  conduce  to  the  welfare  of  the 
Church  in  the  said  State  of  Vermont ;  and  to  do  all  other  acts 
and  things,  whatsoever  that  shall  be  necessary  concerning  the  pre- 
mises as  fully  and  in  every  respect  as  the  said  Society  can  or 
could  do  :  and  one  or  more  Attorneys  under  them  for  the  purposes 
aforesaid  to  make  and  again  at  their  pleasure  revoke.  And  the 
said  Society  doth  hereby  ratify  and  confirm  whatsoever  their  said 
Agents  and  Attorneys  shall  fully  do  or  cause  to  be  done  in  the 
premises  in  the  name  of  said  Society  or  otherwise  by  force  of 
these  presents. 

Witness  whereof  the  said  Society  have  hereunto  affixed  their 
common  seal  at  Lambeth  Palace  in  the  County  of  Surry,  in  that 
part  of  the  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  called  England 
this  5th  day  of  December  A.  D.,  1816." 

The  foregoing  paper,  with  others,  was  "  put  into  the  hands  of 
Mr.  Chipman,  who  took  about  two  years  for  the  examination  of 
the  case  before  commencing  any  process.  Then  he  brought  a  suit 
for  land  in  New-Haven,  near  Middlebury,  which  was  defended  by 
a  grant  of  money  from  the  State,  and  in  March  1823,  decided  in 
the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  in  favor  of  the  Church." 
Bronson's  Letters.  Gambler  Observer  Nov.  14,  1834.  Episco- 
pal Recorder  Feb.  28,  1835. 


JO  URJTAL-l  818.  151 

1818. 

Windsor^  May  22,  1818. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont  on  the  22d  day  of 
May,  1818,  at  the  Brick  Meeting  House  in  the  town  of 
Windsor,  the  following  Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates  appear- 
ed, and,  having  produced  satisfactory  Credentials,  took  their 
seats,  viz. 

The  Kev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Arlington. 
The  Rev.  Stephen  Beach,  Trinity  Church,  Fairfield. 
The  Rev.  G-eorge  T.  Chapman,  Immanuel  Church, 

Belloios  Falls. 
The  Rev.  George  Leonard,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Windsor. 
Hon.  Jonathan  H.  Hubbard,         "  "  " 

Mr.  Joel  Clapp,  Grace  Church,  Sheldon. 
Mr.  James  I.  Cutler,  Immanuel  Church,  Belloios  Falls. 
Mr.  Samuel  A.  Wilkins,  Union  Church,  St.  Albans. 

The  Convention  was  duly  organized  by  the  appointment 
of  the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  President,  and  the  Rev. 
George  T.  Chapman,  Secretary. 

On  motion  the  Convention  adjourned  for  the  purpose  of 
attending  Divine  Service,  to  meet  again  at  2  o'clock,  p.  m. 

Morning  Prayer  was  read  by  the  Rev,  Mr.  Beach,  and  - 
a  Sermon  was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  James  Morss  of  New- 
buryport,    Mass.      Subsequently   the   Holy  Eucharist  was 
administered  by  the  Rev.  President. 

Two  o'clock,  p.  m.  The  Convention  met  and  adjourned 
until  6  o'clock  in  the  Evening,  at  the  house  of  the  Hon. 
J.  H.  Hubbard. 

Six  o'clock,  p.  M.  The  Convention  assembled  and  pro- 
ceeded to  business. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Stephen  Beach,  seconded  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Leonard,  resolved.  That  the  Rev.  James  Morss  be 
admitted  to  the  sittings  of  this  Convention. 


152  JOVBJ^AL-1818. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Beach,  seconded  by  the  Rev. 
President,  resolved,  That  all  gentlemen  present,  belonging 
to  the  Episcopal  Church,  be  admitted  to  the  sittings  of  this 
Convention. 

On  motion  resolved.  That  the  Agents  of  the  Society  for 
the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts  be  request- 
ed to  appoint  an  Agent,  in  each  County  in  the  State,  to 
receive  the  voluntary  surrender  of  the  Lands  belonging  to 
said  Society  in  their  respective  counties. 

On  motion,  resolved,  That  the  Standing  Committee  of 
this  Diocese  consist  of  five  Members. 

The  Rev,  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev,  George  T.  Chap- 
man, the  Rev.  George  Leonard,  Edward  R.  Campbell,  Esq. 
and  the  Hon.  Jonathan  H.  Hubbard,  were  then  duly  elected 
the  Standing  Committee  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Convention  made  choice  of  the  following  gentlemen 
to  represent  this  Diocese  in  the  Biennial  Convention  of  the 
Eastern  Diocese  to  be  held  at  Greenfield,  Mass.  on  the  last 
Wednesday  of  September  next,  viz.  The  Rev.  Abraham 
Bronson,  the  Rev.  George  T.  Chapman,  the  Rev.  Stephen 
Beach,  the  Rev.  George  Leonard,  the  Hon.  William  Hall, 
Mr.  Joel  Clapp,  Doct.  Erastus  Torrey,  and  Col.  Jesse  Gove. 

On  motion  resolved.  That  in  case  of  the  failure  of  either 
of  the  above  Lay  Delegates  to  attend  the  said  Convention, 
the  following  persons  be  their  respective  Substitutes,  to  wit : 

For  the  Hon.  William  Hall,  Mr.  James  I.  Cutler. 
"    Mr.  Joel  Clapp,  Mr.  Jeremiah  Stratton. 
"    Dr.  Erastus  Torrey,  Thomas  Thomas,  Esq. 
"    Col.  Jesse  Gove,  Mr.  Noble  Hard. 

The  following  Parochial  Reports  were  then  read  : — 

From  Jane,  1817,  to  May,  1818,  at  Arlington-.  Baptisms  — 
adults  11,  children  1;  Marriages  7;  Funerals  8;  Communi- 
cants, 86. 


JOirB.YAL-1818.  153 

At  Manchester^  daring  the  same  time:  Baptisms  —  adults  8, 
children  2;  Funerals  2;  Communicants  37. 

At  Middkburi/,  during  the  same  time:  Baptisms,  9;  Funerals* 
1 ;  Marriages,  1 ;  Communicants,  30. 

Immanuel  Church,  Bellows  Falls,  from  December,  1815,  to  May, 
1818:  Baptisms  —  adults  6,  children  22;  Funerals,  3;  Marriages, 
4;  Communicants,  11. 

Trinity  Church,  Rutland,  for  the  same  time  :  Baptisms  —  adults 
3,  children  16. 

On  motion  resolved,  That  the  Secretary  of  this  Convention 
be  requested  to  carry  into  effect  a  vote  passed  at  the  last 
Convention  respecting  the  organization  of  the  several 
Churches  in  the  State. 

On  motion,  resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention 
be  given  to  the  Rev.  James  Morss  for  the  excellent  Discourse 
delivered  by  him  at  the  opening -of  the  same. 

On  motion  resolved,  That  the  Clerical  and  Lay  Delegates 
who  shall  attend  the  next  Diocesan  Convention  be  a  Com- 
mittee to  revise  the  Constitution  and  Canons  of  the  Church 
in  this  State,  and  that  the  former  Committee  upon  the 
subject  be  discharged. 

On  motion  resolved,  That  the  next  Annual  Convention  of 
this  Diocese  be  holden  at  Eutland  on  the  fourth  Wednesday 
of  June,  1819. 

The  Eev.  George  T.  Chapman  was  appointed  to  deliver 
the  Sermon  at  the  opening  of  the  next  Convention. 

On  motion  resolved.  That  the  Secretary  be  requested  to 
return  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  to  the  Baptist  Society 
in  Windsor  for  the  accommodation  received  in  their  place  of 
Public  Worship. 

On  motion  resolved,  That  the  Secretary  be  requested  to 
return  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  to  the  Hon.  and  Rev. 
Charles  Stewart  of  Canada  for  the  extraordinary  attention 
and  zeal  evinced  by  him  in  procuring  a  Power  of  Attorney 
from  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of    the   Gospel  in 


154-  JOlTRJ^AL-1818. 

Foreign  Parts,  established  in  London,  Great  Britain,  to  the 
Agents  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of 
Vermont,  so  as  to  enable  said  Church  to  avail  themselves  of 
various  tracts  of  land  belonging  to  the  above  mentioned 
Society. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Beach,  seconded  by  the  Hon. 
Judge  Hubbard,  voted.  That  this  Convention  be  adjourned, 
without  day. 

Attest,     GEORGE  T.  CHAPMAN,  Secretary. 


The  following  paragraphs  are  quoted  from  the  Address  of 
Bishop  Griswold  before  the  Biennial  Convention  of  the  Eastern 
Diocese  held  at  Greenfield,  Mass.  September  30th,  1818.  They 
contain  matter  of  interest  respecting  the  Church  in  Vermont. 

Tuesday  September  8th,  1818.  "In  Lanesborough,  I  was  met 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson.  Wednesday  the  9th,  though  the  rain 
was  violent,  through  the  kindness  of  friends  and  the  blessing  of 
God,  we  reached  Arlington  in  Vermont.  On  the  way  it  was 
intended,  had  the  weather  been  favorable  to  have  preached  in 
Bennington.  In  Arlington  we  found  a  people  much  alive  to  a 
sense  of  religion  and  much  engaged  in  its  duties.  The  Lord  has 
there,  during  the  present  season  awakened  many  to  righteousness 
and  added  to  His  Church  such,  we  hope,  as  shall  be  saved. 
Thursday  the  10th,  I  preached  and  comfirmed  in  each  of  the  two 
Churches  in  that  town,  and  in  one  of  them  administered  the 
Holy  Communion.  Here  we  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  Mr. 
Hawley,  of  Washington,  the  present  Chaplain  of  the  Senate  of 
the  United  States :  he  assisted  in  the  services  and  preached  a 
third  Sermon." 

"Friday  the  11th,  I  visited  in  Manchester,  another  parish 
under  the  care  of  Mr.  Bronson ;  preached  twice  and  administered 
Confirmntion  and  the  Lord's  Supper.  In  that  place,  the  Lord's 
work  in  converting  the  hearts  of  His  people  and  adding  many  tp 
His  Church,  is  also  marvellous  in  our  eyes.  The  pastor  of  these 
two  Churches  is  much  blessed  in  seeing  such  abundant  fruit  of 
his  labours.  The  number  of  his  Communicants  has  been  nearly 
doubled  in  the  last  few  months." 


JOURJfAL-1818.  155 

"The  next  day  I  pursued  my  journey  to  Rutland  and  preached 
on  the  way  at  Wallingford.  The  Episcopalians  in  Pawlet  and 
Wells  are  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jewett :  they 
attend  public  worship  in  the  State  of  New-York  and  receive 
Confirmation  in  that  Diocese.  It  was,  therefore,  not  necessary 
that  I  should  visit  them." 

"Sunday  the  13th,  I  was  in  Rutland  and  preached  twice  and 
confirmed  a  few.  The  congregation  was  large  and  attentive 
and  appeared  to  be  edified  by  the  services.  Very  few  of  them 
had,  before  that  day,  seen  a  Confirmation.  It  is  hoped  that  the 
solemnity  will  excite  in  others  a  desire  to  witness  a  like  good 
confession.  It  is  about  two  years  since  a  number  of  respectable 
people  in  Rutland  formed  themselves  into  an  Episcopal  Society : 
they  have  been  very  desirous  to  obtain  the  permanent  services  of 
a  settled  minister,  and  have  manifested  a  very  laudable  liberality 
in  offering  to  subscribe  for  his  maintenance.  They  have  been 
disappointed  and  disheartened ;  but  not,  I  was  happy  to  find  in 
such  degree  as  report  had  given  reason  to  apprehend." 

"In  the  course  of  Monday  the  14th,  I  reached  Middlebury,  hav- 
ing officiated,  on  the  way,  at  Salisbury,  where  I  met  with  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Leonard,  in  a  low  state  of  health.  He  has  since  returned  to 
Windsor;  but  much  to  his  disappointment,  he  is  unable  to  meet 
with  us  on  this  occasion.  The  Church  in  Middlebury  is  also  des- 
titute of  a  minister,  and  will  not  probably  increase  until  it  is 
again  blessed  with  the  wholesome  ministrations  of  the  Word  and 
Sacraments.  I  preached  there  once  only  on  the  15th,  attending 
also  to  some  other  necessary  things,  and  engaging,  should  the 
Lord  permit,  to  visit  them  on  my  return." 

"  Wednesday  the  16th,  I  preached  in  Vergennes,  where  the 
Church  is  in  a  declining  state,  suffering  as  do  many  other  parts 
of  the  Vineyard — the  want  of  labourers.  Could  a  clergyman 
have  been  continued  in  that  place,  the  parish,  no  doubt,  at  the 
present  time  would  have  been  large  a'nd  flourishing.  How  earn- 
estly should  we  pray  the  Lord  to  send  Labourers  into  His  Vine- 
yard, and  show  the  sincerity  of  our  prayers  by  our  works.  Are 
we  content  with  saying  to  these  our  suffering  brethren,  '  be  ye 
warmed  and  filled  ?'     At  Vergennes  I  was  happy  in  meeting  the 


156  JOURMAL-1818. 

Rev.  Mr.  Beach,  who  since  has  kindly  accompanied  me,  and  given 
me  much  assistance." 

"  On  Thursday  it  rained  much ;  but  through  the  generous 
assistance  of  kind  friends,  we  reached  Burlington  in  the  evening. 
At  Shelburne,  on  our  way,  we  had  the  no  small  pleasure  of  assem- 
bling with  the  remnant  of  a  Church,  formerly  the  flock  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Chittenden.  Unfavourable  as  the  weather  was,  a  re- 
spectable congregation  convened.  Mr.*  Beach  performed  Divine 
Service  and  baptized  an  adult.  I  preached  and  administered 
Confirmation  and  the  Lord's  Supper.  The  people  appeared  to  be 
much  gratified  and  encouraged  by  this  visit,  and  there  is  reason 
to  hope  that,  through  the  Lord's  blessing,  it  will  be  permanently 
beneficial." 

"  On  Friday  we  reached  St.  Albans  in  season  to  unite  with  a 
pious  people  in  the  offices  of  Divine  Worship.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Townsend,  of  Canada  performed  the  evening  service.  I  preached 
and  administered  Confirmation  and  the  Eucharist.  Our  brethren 
among  whom  I  officiated  in  that  place  and  the  towns  adjoining, 
appeared  highly  to  prize  the  privilege  of  those  ordinances  and  by 
them  to  be  edified." 

"On  Saturday  we  pursued  our  journey  to  Sheldon,  where 
though  the  rains  continued,  we  found  a  large  and  very  religious 
congregation  assembled — '  all  there  present  before  God  to  hear  all 
things  that  were  commanded  us  by  God.'  There  we  had  the 
pleasure  of  meeting  with  the  Hon.  and  Rev.  Dr.  Stewart,  who 
assisted  in  Divine  Service.  The  people  appeared  to  be  uncom- 
monly devout  and  attentive,  and  to  'receive  with  meekness  the 
engrafted  word.'  I  preached  and  confirmed  forty-nine,  whose 
hearts,  we  have  no  reason  to  doubt,  the  Lord  has  renewed.  There, 
too,  I  received  some  communications  from  Berkshire,  about  fifteen 
miles  east  of  Sheldon,  and  the  pleasing  information,  that  a  new 
Episcopal  Society  has  recently  there  been  organized  with  very 
favourable  prospects  of  success.  My  time  had  been  so  completely 
appropriated  by  previous  arrangements  that  to  visit  this  new 
parish  was  found  to  be  impracticable." 

"In  the  evening  we  reached  Fairfield,'  and  with  devout  grati- 
tude to  a  kind  protecting  Providence  ought  I  to  acknowledge, 
that  as  on  many  occasions,  so  especially  on  this,  my  health  received 


JOUBjYAL-ISIS.  157 

no  injury  from  being  exposed  to  wet  and  cold,  immediately  after 
long  speaking  in  a  crowded  assembly." 

"At  Fairfield  on  Sunday  the  20th,  we  had  an  interesting  day. 
Though  the  rain  continued  to  fall  incessantly  and  most  of  the 
people  had  several  miles  to  travel,  their  new  Church  was  filled  at 
an  early  hour,  with  a  large  and  very  crowded  assembly.  The 
services  were  commenced  by  the  solemn  dedication  of  the  house 
to  the  honour  and  worship  of  Almighty  God.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Townsend  performed  Morning  Prayer.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Beach 
administered  Baptism.  I  preached  and  after  Sermon  confirmed 
forty-seven.  After  an  intermission  of  thirty  minutes,  the  Evening 
Service  commenced  :  Prayers  by  Mr.  Townsend.  Mr.  Beach  was 
then  instituted.  Dr.  Stewart  delivered  an  excellent  discourse ; 
and  after  the  Sermon,  I  administered  the  sacred  Memorials  of 
Christ's  Body  and  Blood  to  one  hundred  and  forty  very  devout 
Communicants.  During  the  last  three  years  the  word  preached 
has  been  very  much  blessed  in  Fairfield  and  Sheldon ;  and  not  a 
little  in  Berkshire  and  St.  Albans;  and  their  pious  pastor  is  much 
encouraged  and  refreshed  in  seeing  his  labours  so  prospered,  and 
one  hundred  and  three  pious  converts  of  his  fiock  present  them- 
selves for  Confirmation." 

"  Monday  the  rain  continued.  By  hard  travelling  we  reached 
Burlington  in  season  for  Divine  Service:  Prayers  by  Mr.  Beach 
who  also  baptized  eight  children.  Tuesday  by  reason  of  continued 
rains,  heavy  travelling  and  an  unpleasant  accident,  it  was  not 
without  some  difficulty  that  we  reached  Vergennes.  Wednesday, 
I  preached,  confirmed  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion  in 
Middlebury.  The  two  following  days  we  passed  over  the  Moun- 
tains to  the  eastern  part  of  the  State  ;  arriving  in  Windsor  in 
season  for  Prayers  and  a  Sermon  on  Friday  evening.  In  that 
place,  since  the  last  Biennial  Convention,  has  been  formed  an 
Episcopal  Parish,  highly  respectable  for  the  number,  character 
and  liberal  zeal  of  its  members.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Leonard  is  their 
minister.     Saturday  morning,  I  preached  again  in  Windsor." 

"  In  the  afternoon  of  Monday,  we  proceeded  to  Bellows  Falls. 
There  in  Rockingham  on  the  Vermont  side  is  a  Parish  lately 
formed,  which  is  already  in  a  flourishing  state  under  the  pastoral 
care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chapman.    They  have  erected  a  neat  and 


158  JOURjYAL-1819. 

commodious  Church,  which  about  a  year  since  was  consecrated. 
They  have  also  an  excellent  Choir  of  singers;  and  in  proportion 
to  their  abilities,  no  people  of  the  Diocese  have  gone  before  them 
in  liberal  efforts  for  the  regular  and  decent  ministrations  of  the 
blessed  Gospel.  There  also,  I  preached  and  administered  Con- 
firmation." 


1819. 

KuTLAND,  June  23d,  1819. 
At  a  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  Diocese  of  Vermont  holden  on  the  23d  day  of  June, 
1819,  at  the  Court  House  in  Rutland,  the  following  Clerical 
and  Lay  Delegates  appeared,  and,  having  produced  satis- 
factory Credentials,  took  their  seats  as  Members,  viz. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson, 

The  Rev.  Stephen  Beach, 

The  Rev.  George  Leonard, 

The  Rev.  Joel  Clapp. 

Lay  Delegates  were  present  from  the  following  Parishes  : 

RUTLAND : 

Jesse  Gove. 

AELINGTON: 

Martin  Webb. 

ST.  ALBANS: 

John  Richardson. 

SANDGATE : 

Jordan  Gray. 

middlebury: 
DoRASTUs  Worcester. 

MANCHESTER: 

Jeremiah  Stratton. 

SHELBURNE: 

Bela  Chittenden. 


JOURJfAL-1819.  159 

FAIRFIELD: 

Nathan  Lobdell. 

CHARLOTTE: 

Gideon  Prindle. 

SHELDON: 

Joshua  Brooks. 

WINDSOR : 

JosiAH  Dunham. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  organize  by  choosing 
the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  President,  and  Josiah  Dunham, 
Esq.  Secretary. 

Morning  Prayer  was  said,  a  Sermon  delivered  by  the  Rev. 
George  Leonard,  and  the  Holy  Communion  was  adminis- 
tered by  the  Rev.  President. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  3  o'clock,  p.  m. 

Three  o'clock,  p.  m.  The  Convention  met  according  to 
adjournment. 

The  following  Parochial  Reports  were  then  presented  : 

ARLINGTON. 

Baptisms  (adults  6,  children  3)  —  9 ;  Marriages,  2 ;  Funerals, 
3;  Communicants,  94. 

MANCHESTER. 

Baptisms  (adults  9,  children  5)  —  14 ;  Marriages,  1 ;  Funerals 
4;  Commimicants,  51. 

SANDGATE. 

h 

Communicants,  11. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD. 

Baptisms,  13;  Funerals,  1 ;  Marriages,  6;   Communicants,  74. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

Baptisms,  8 ;  Funerals,  2 ;  Marriages,  3 ;  Communicants,  53. 


160  JOTJRKAL-1819. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS. 
Funerals,  2;   Communicants,  12. 

MONTGOMERY. 

Baptisms  (adults  7,  children  33) — 40;  Funerals,  4;  Commu- 
nicants, 15. 

BERKSHIRE. 

Baptisms,  9;  Funerals  2;  Communicants,  6. 

SHELBURNE. 

Baptisms  (adult  1,  infants  2)  —  3;  Communicants,  18. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR. 

Baptisms,  6;  in  Cornish,  N.  H.  3;  Marriages,  2;  Communi- 
cants, 35. 

TOTAL. 

Baptisms,  105,  Funerals,  18,  Marriages,  14,  Communicants,  362. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a 
Standing  Committee,  for  the  year  ensuing,  when  the  Rev. 
Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev.  Stephen  Beach  and  the  Rev. 
George  Leonard  were  unanimously  chosen. 

On  motion,  the  following  Resolution  was  read  and  adopt- 
ed, viz. 

Resolved,  That  the  Senior  Warden  of  each  Church  in 
this  Diocese  shall  be  requested  to  consider  it  his  immediate 
duty  to  circulate  a  Subscription  Paper  in  his  Parish,  or 
cause  it  to  he  done  effectively,  for  the  purpose  of  raising 
money  to  meet  any  expenses  incurred,  or  that  may  be  in- 
curred hereafter,  in  obtaining  the  charter  of  the  Society 
Lands,  in  this  State,  and  in  prosecuting  any  suit  for  the 
recovery  and  possession  of  the  same  ;  and,  also,  to  make 
report  of  the  sum  raised  without  delay  to  the  Hon.  Daniel 
Chipman,  the  acting  Agent  in  the  case  of  said  Lands. 


J0TJEKAL-1S19.  161 

Oa  motion,  the  following  Kesolution  was  read  and 
adopted  : 

Eesolved,  Tliat  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  receive  and 
apply  any  donations  that  may  be  made  for  Missionary,  or 
other  purposes,  to  further  the  interests  of  the  Church  in 
this  Diocese. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  such  a  commit- 
tee, viz.  The  Rev.  Stephen  Beach,  the  Rev.  Abraham 
Bronson,  the  Rev.  George  Leonard,  the  Rev.  Joel  Clap, 
Daniel  Henshaw,  Es(][.,Alvin  Leicester,  Esq[.,Wm.  Hall,  Esq. 

On  motion  the  following  gentlemen  were  chosen  Deputies 
to  the  General  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  to  be  holden  at  Philadelphia  on  the  3d  Tuesday 
in  May  next,  viz.  The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev. 
Stephen  Beach,  the  Rev.  George  Leonard,  the  Rev.  Joel 
Clap,  Clement  Trowbridge,  Esq.,  Josiah  Dunham,  Esq., 
Daniel  Henshaw,  Esq.  and  Jeremiah  Stratton,  Esq. 

On  motion,  resolved,  That  in  case  any  of  the  Deputies, 
now  chosen  to  the  General  Convention,  should  be  unable 
to  attend,  he  is  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  ap- 
point a  Substitute,  vested  with  the  same  powers  as  those 
now  appointed  by  this  Convention. 

On  motion,  voted.  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention 
be  given  to  the  Rev.  George  Leonard  for  his  Sermon  this 
day  delivered  before  the  Convention. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  Evening. 

Evening.    The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

On  motion,  voted.  That  the  Rev.  George  Leonard  and 
Josiah  Dunham  be  a  Committee  to  revise  the  Constitution 
and  Canons  of  the  Church  in  this  Diocese,  and  report  at 
the  next  annual  Convention. 

On  motion,  voted,  That  the  next  annual  Convention  of 
this  Diocese  be  holden  at  Shelburne. 

On  motion,  voted,  That  this  Convention  do  now  adjourn, 
sine  die,  and  it  was  adjourned  accordingly. 

Attest,    JOSIAH  DUNHAM,  Secretary. 


162  JOVEKAL-1819. 

In  the  early  part  of  1819,  a  suit  was  brought  in  the  Circuit 
Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  District  of  Vermont  against  the 
town  of  New-Haven  and  William  Wheeler  to  recover  possession  of 
the  land  in  that  township,  granted  to  the  Society  for  the  Propaga- 
tion of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  by  the  Hon.  Daniel  Chipman, 
acting  in  behalf  of  the  Agents  and  Attorneys  of  that  Society.  In 
this  Suit  the  State  appeared  as  the  Defendant.  During  the  Session 
of  the  Legislature  in  the  Fall  of  1819,  the  following  Act  was 
passed, "appointing  an  Agent  to  defend  a  lawsuit  therein  mentioned." 

"  Sec,  1.  Il  is  hereby  enacted  hij  the  General  Assemhhj  of  the  State 
of  Vermont,  that  David  Edmond  of  Vergennes,  in  the  county  of 
Addison  be,  and  hereby  is  appointed  an  Agent,  at  the  expense  of 
this  State,  to  defend  a  suit  now  pending  in  the  Circuit  Court  of 
the  United  States  for  the  Vermont  District,  in  favor  of  the  incor- 
porated society  for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts, 
against  the  town  of  New-Haven,  and  one  William  Wheeler,  for  the 
recovery  of  one  of  the  rights,  or  a  part  of  a  right,  of  land,  originally 
granted  by  the  government  of  Great  Britain  to  said  Society. 

Sec.  2.  It  is  hereby  further  enacted  that  the  Agent  shall  have 
full  power  and  authority  to  employ  assistant  counsel,  and  defend, 
to  final  judgment  the  said  suit,  and  in  case  of  recovery  in  the 
Circuit  Court,  in  favor  of  the  Society,  the  Agent  is  authorized  in 
his  discretion,  to  appeal  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United 
States,  and  take  such  measures  as  to  procure  the  opinion  of  the 
court  thereon.  And  the  Auditor  of  accounts  against  the  State, 
is  hereby  authorized  and  directed  to  audit  and  allow  the  ac- 
count of  the  x\gent,  and  draw  orders  on  the  Treasurer  of  this 
State,  who  is  hereby  directed  to  pay  the  same,  out  of  any  money  in 
the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 

Provided,  however,  that  nothing  contained  in  this  act  shall  be 
construed  as  creating,  or  recognizing,  any  liability  whatever,  on 
the  part  of  the  State,  to  the  town  of  New-Haven ;  or  to  any  other 
town,  or  to  any  person  or  persons  whatsoever,  to  secure  or  defend 
the  title  or  possession  of  the  right  of  land  above  mentioned,  or  of 
any  right  of  land  of  the  same  description  in  any  other  town 
except  so  far  as  is  above  provided  in  relation  to  the  expenses  of 
the  said  suit; — and 

Provided  also,  that  the  State  shall  not  be  liable  to  pay  a  sum 
exceeding  Six  Hundred  Dollars  towards  the  expenses  of  said  suit. 
Passed  Nov.  13,  1819." 

Laws  passed  by  the  Legislatuie  of  Vermont,  1819,  pp.  40,  41. 


J0URJfAL-18W.  163 

1820. 

Shelburne,  June  28th,  1820, 
The  Coavention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  Diocese  of  Vermont  met  agreeably  to  appointment. 

Morning  Prayer  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Stephen    Beach, 

a  Sermon  was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  and 

the  Holy  Communion  administered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Beach. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  present  as  Members  and 

Delegates,  viz. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson, 
The  Rev.  Stephen  Beach, 
The  Rev.  Joel  Clap. 

SANDGATE : 

Jordan  Gray. 

BERKSHIRE: 

Amherst  Willoughby. 

ST.  ALBANS: 

John  Richardson. 

CHARLOTTE: 

John  Cobb. 

ARLINGTON : 

Daniel  B.  Tuthill. 

SHELDON:  ' 

Charles  B.  Wesson. 

VERGENNES : 

Samuel  H.  Tupper. 

FAIRFIELD: 

Nathan  Lobdell,  John  Hendrick. 

montgomery: 
RuFus  Smith. 

middlebury: 
dorastus  wooster. 

shelburne: 
Heman  Chittenden. 


164  JOURJfAL-1820. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  chosen  President,  Josiah 
Dunham,  Esq.  Secretary  and  the  Rev.  Joel  Clap  assistant 
Secretary. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned  until  4  o'clock,  P.  M, 

Four  o'clock,  P.  M.  The  Convention  assembled  agree- 
ably to  adjournment. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Stephen  Beach,  resolved.  That  all 
members  of  the  Episcopal  Church  present,  desiring  to  sit 
with  us,  be  admitted  to  seats  in  this  Convention, 

The  Parochial  Reports  were  then  called  for  and  read  as 

follows,  viz. 

MANCHESTER. 

THE  REV.  ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  2 ;  Marriages,  1 ;  Funerals,  2 ;  Communicants,  52. 
ARLINGTON. 

THE  REV.  ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  1,  children  1 )  —  2 ;  Funerals,  10  ;  Communi- 
cants, 92. 

SANDGATE. 

JORDAN  GRAY,  LAY  READER. 

Baptisms,  16 ;  Communicants,  25. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD. 

THE  REV.  STEPHEN  BEACH,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  7,  children  7) — 14;  Marriages,  5;  Funerals, 
2 ;  Communicants,  64. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

THE  REV.  STEPHEN  BEACH,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  8  ;  Marriages,  3 ;  Funerals,  6 ;  Communicants,  49. 
UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS. 

THE  REV.  STEPHEN  BEACH,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  7 ;  Funerals,  1 ;  Communicants,  12. 


JOUBMAL-1820.  165 

BERKSHIRE  AND  VICINITY. 

THE  REV.  JOEL  CLAP,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  (adults  1,  children  6)  —  7;  Communicants,  7. 
UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY. 

THE  REV.  JOEL  CLAP,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms,  2;  Communicants,  17;  Sunday  School  Scholars,  15 
to  20. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURNE. 

THE  REV.  JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  2,  children  7)  —  9;  Funerals,  8;  Communi- 
cants, 33 ;  Sunday  School  Scholars,  from  70  to  80. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR. 

THE  REV.  GEORGE  LEONARD,  RECTOR. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Leonard  writes  there  have  been  some  confirmed, 
some  additions  to  the  Communicants,  two  Burials,  one  Marriage, 
and  one  Baptism  of  an  Infant. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD. 

ALFRED  L.  BAURY,  LAY  READER. 

Baptisms,  37 ;  Confirmed, 52  ;  Communicants,  65  ;  Marriages,  1 ; 
Burials,  4;  Sunday  School  Scholars,  from  40  to  50. 

TOTAL. 
Baptisms,  99 ;  Deaths,  35  ;  Communicants,  391. 

On  motion  of  the  Kev.  Joel  Clap,  Resolved,  That  a 
Committee  be  appointed  to  revise  the  Constitution  of  the 
Church  in  this  Diocese,  and  report  this  evening. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  such  a  Commit- 
tee, viz.  The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev.  Stephen 
Beach,  Daniel  Henshaw,  Esq.  and  Dorastus  Wooster,  Esq. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  resolved.  That  a  Com- 
mittee be  appointed  to  devise  and  report  to  this  Convention 


166  JOURJ^AL-1820. 

the  most  efficient  method  of  raising  money  to  repay  the 
Hon.  and  Eev.  Dr.  Stewart  the  money  he  long  since  ad- 
vanced to  procure  a  Power  of  Attorney  from  the  Society  for 
the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  and  to 
defray  the  expenses  of  a  suit  now  pending  for  the  recovery 
of  the  Lands  of  that  Society  in  this  State. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  elected  :  John  Chipman, 
Esq.,  Mr.  Jordan  Gray,  Clement  Trowbridge,  Esq.,  Amherst 
Willoughby,  Esq.  and  Samuel  H.  Tupper,  Esq. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Stephen  Beach,  the  Convention 
adjourned  for  the  purpose  of  attending  Divine  Service. 

Evening  Prayer  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  and  a 
Sermon  was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin,  of  Ogdens- 
burgh,  N.  Y. 

Immediately  after  the  close  of  the  Evening  Service,  the 
Convention  again  met. 

On  motion  voted.  That  the  Hon.  Daniel  Chipman  be 
added  to  the  Committee  last  appointed. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  to-morrow  Morning  at  5 
o'clock. 

Thursday,  June  29th.  The  Convention  met  agreeably  to 
adjournment. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson,  in  behalf  of  the  Committee 
appointed  to  revise  the  Constitution,  reported.  That  it  is 
expedient  to  adopt  the  following  revised  Constitution,  viz. 

THE  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  CONVENTION  OF  THE  PROTESTANT 
EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  VERMONT. 

Art.  I.  The  various  Churches  in  Vermont  shall  be  con- 
sidered as  united  in  one  Convention  in  subordination  to  the 
General  Convention  of  the  United  States. 

Art.  II.  The  said  Convention  shall  meet  annually  on 
the  fourth  Wednesday  in  June,  at  such  place  as  shall  be 
appointed  at  a  previous  meeting  ;  and  all  Clergymen  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  residing  in  this  State,  shall 
be  entitled  to  seats  in  Convention  ;  and  Lay  Delegates  from 


JOUBJfAL-1820.  167 

the  several  Clmrcbes  in  this  State  shall  be  entitled  to  seats 
in  the  said  Convention,  in  the  following  proportion,  to  wit : 
Each  Church  shall  have  the  privilege  of  sending  at  least 
one  member  ;  if  it  consists  of  ten  or  more  Communicants, 
then  it  may  send  two  members,  and  for  every  twenty-five 
Communicants,  excepting  the  numbers  above  specified,  the 
said  Churches  shall  be  entitled  to  one  additional  member. 

Art.  III.  The  Convention  shall  deliberate  and  act  in 
one  body ;  but  shall  vote  in  distinct  orders,  when  any  mem- 
ber shall  call  for  such  a  division  on  any  one  question  ;  and 
in  such  case  a  concurrence  of  a  majority  of  both  orders  shall 
be  necessary  to  constitute  a  vote. 

Art.  IV.  A  President,  Secretary  and  Standing  Com- 
mittee shall  be  chosen  at  every  Annual  Meeting  of  the 
Convention ;  and  when  there  is  to  be  a  Session  of  the  Gen- 
eral Convention  within  the  ensuing  year,  the  requisite  del- 
egation shall  be  appointed  to  represent  this  State  in  that 
body  ;  also  as  long  as  this  State  shall  belong  to  the  Eastern 
Diocese,  a  delegation  shall  be  appointed  to  attend  each 
Diocesan  Convention  at  the  next  preceding  Annual  Con- 
vention, or  at  some  meeting  specially  warned  for  that 
purpose.  Provided,  however,  that  no  person  shall  be  a 
Member  of  the  Standing  Committee,  or  shall  represent  this 
State  in  the  General  or  Diocesan  Convention,  unless  he  be 
a  regular  Communicant  in  the  Church.  Provided,  also, 
that  when  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  shall  be  present  in 
Convention,  he  shall,  ex  officio,  be  President.  The  Conven- 
tion may  from  time  to  time,  if  deemed  expedient,  appoint 
a  Prudential  Committee  to  superintend  the  prudential  con- 
cerns of  the  Church. 

Art.  V.  If  at  any  time  a  Bishop  is  to  be  elected  by 
this  Convention,  the  Secretary,  by  order  of  the  President, 
or  Standing  Committee,  shall  write  to  the  Minister  or  one 
of  the  Wardens  of  each  Church,  at  least  six  weeks  before 
the  election  is  to  take  place,  and  give  notice  of  the  time 


168  JOURJ{AL~1820. 

and  place  appointed  for  such  election,  and  request,  that 
Delegates  may  attend  the  Convention  for  the  purpose  ;  and, 
in  every  such  election,  the  Convention  shall  vote  in  distinct 
orders — the  Clerical  order  shall  make  a  nomination  by  bal- 
lot, and  a  majority  of  the  Lay  Delegates  shall  approve  the 
appointment,  before  the  person  shall  be  considered  elected. 

Art.  VI.  No  alteration  shall  be  made  in  this  Constitu- 
tion except  in  Annual  Convention  ;  nor  unless  proposed  and 
reduced  to  Avriting  at  a  previous  Convention. 

Art.  VII.  The  Bishop  or  Standing  Committee  shall 
have  power  to  call  a  special  Convention,  by  giving  six 
weeks  previous  notice  to  the  Minister  or  one  of  the  War- 
dens of  each  particular  Church. 

The  foregoing  Report  was  accepted,  and,  on  motion  of 
Mr.  Wooster  it  was  resolved,  That  the  revised  Constitution, 
as  above  reported  by  the  Committee  appointed  for  that 
purpose,  be  adopted  as  the  Constitution  of  the  Convention 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  appointment  of  the 
Standing  Committee.  Tlie  following  gentlemen  were  elect- 
ed, viz.  The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev.  Stephen 
Beach,  the  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  the  Rev.  George  Leonard,  and 
the  Rev.  Carlton  Chase. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  Delegates  to 
represent  the  Church  in  this  State  in  the  Diocesan  Conven- 
tion to  be  holden  at  Newport,  R.  I.  on  the  last  Wednesday 
of  September  next,  viz.  The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson, 
the  Rev.  Stephen  Beach,  the  Rev.  George  Leonard,  and 
the  Rev.  Joel  Clap.  —  Clement  Trowbridge,  Esq.,  Daniel 
Chipman,  Esq.,  Josiah  Dunham,  Esq.  and  Mr.  Alfred  L. 
Baury. 

The  Rev.  Carlton  Chase  was  appointed  as  a  Substitute 
for  any  one  of  the  Clerical  Delegates,  who  should  be  unable 
to  attend  said  Convention, 


JOUBJfAL-1820.  169 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  Substitutes  for 
the  Lay  Delegates  above  named,  viz.  Jeremiah  Stratton, 
Dr.  Dana  Hyde,  Col.  John  Chipman,  Col.  Jesse  Lull 

Col.  John  Chipman,  in  behalf  of  the  Committee  appoint- 
ed to  devise  the  most  efficient  method  of  raising  money  to 
repay  Dr.  Stewart,  etc,  submitted  the  following  report : 

To  THE  Convention  of  the 

Protestant  Episcopal  Church  now  sitting  : 

Your  Committee  appointed  to  devise  and  report  to  the 
Convention  the  most  efficient  method  of  raising  money  to 
repay  the  Hon.  and  Rev.  Charles  Stewart,  D.  D.  the  money 
which  he  long  since  advanced  to  procure  a  Power  of  Attor- 
ney from  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in 
Foreign  Parts,  and  to  raise  a  sum  sufficient  to  defray  the 
expense  of  a  suit  now  pending  for  the  recovery  of  the  Lands 
of  said  Society  in  this  State,  respectfully  report.  That  the 
several  Episcopal  Churches  and  Societies  in  this  State  be 
called  on  to  raise  each  the  sums  hereafter  mentioned  as 
soon  as  may  be,  and  forward  the  same  to  Daniel  Chipman, 
Esq. — taking  his  receipt  therefor,  to  wit  : 

Arlington, $20.00 

Sandgate, 8.00 

Manchester, 10.00 

Pawlet  and  Wells,  ....  10.00 

Rutland,       20.00 

Middlebury, 20.00 

Vergennes, 8.00 

Charlotte, 20.00 

Shelburne, 20.00 

Burlington, 8.00 

Fairfield  and  other  towns  in 

Franklin  County,    .     .     .  30.00 

Guilford, 20.00 

Rockingham, 20.00 

Windsor  and  Hartland,     .     .  30.00 

$244.00  ; 


170  JOUR:N'J.L-1820. 

thcat,  in  case  there  be  a  recovery  in  the  aforesaid  suit,  the 
money  so  advanced,  may  be  repaid  with  interest  out  of  the 
avails  of  the  Lands  thus  recovered. 

JOHN  CHIPMAN,  for  Committee. 
Shelburne,  June  29,  1820. 

The  above  Report  was  accepted  and  adopted. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  a  Prudential 
Committee  to  superintend  the  temporalities  of  the  Church 
viz.  John  Phelps,  Esq.,  Horace  Everett,  Esq.,  Col.  Jesse 
Gove,  Amherst  Willoughby,  Esq.,  Hon.  Ezra  Meach,  George 
Cleveland,  Esq. 

Voted,  that  the  Prudential  Committee  be  directed  to 
procure  a  written  opinion  of  the  Hon.  Nathaniel  Chipman, 
'relative  to  the  suit  now  pending  before  the  Federal  Court 
of  the  United  States  for  the  recovery  of  the  Society  Lands, 
so  called,  in  New-Haven  for  the  benefit  of  the  Counsel  em- 
ployed in  behalf  of  the  Church  in  said  suit. 

Resolved,  That  the  first  Canon  of  the  Church  in  this 
State  be  repealed,  and  that  the  following  be  adopted  instead 
thereof,  viz. 

OF   THE    MODE    OF    TRYING    CLERGYMEN    ACCUSED    OF    MISDE- 
MEANOR. 

Whenever  the  Standing  Committee  shall  have  reason  to 
suspect  a  Clergyman  of  this  Church  to  be  guilty  of  infidel- 
ity, heresy,  vice  or  irregularity  of  any  kind,  it  shall  be  their 
duty  to  inquire  into  the  circumstances  of  the  case  ;  and  if 
upon  investigation  they  consider  the  crime  worthy  of  notice, 
they  shall  report  thereupon  to  the  Bishop,  who  may  sum- 
mon a  council  of  the  Clergy,  not  less  than  three  ;  a  copy  of 
the  charge,  and  due  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  trial 
being  likewise  communicated  to  the  party  accused  ;  and 
after  a  full  and  fair  investigation  of  the  subject,  the  Bishop 
may  pronounce  sentence  in  the  case.  And  if  any  Minister, 
degraded  agreeable  to  this  Canon,  shall  consider  himself 
aggrieved^  he  shall  be  allowed  an  appeal  to  the  House  of 
Bishops. 


JOUR.YAL-1820.  171 

Voted,  That  the  next  Annual  Meeting  of  this  Convention 
be  holden  in  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows  Falls. 

The   Rev.    Joel  Clap  was  appointed  to  preach  the  Ser- 
mon at  the  opening  of  the  next  Convention. 
On  motion,  the  Convention  adjourned,  sine  die. 
Attest,     J.  DUNHAM,  Secretary. 

JOEL  CLAP,  Assistant  Secretary. 


The  following  passages  from  the  address  of  Bishop  Griswokl  to 
the  Biennial  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  assembled  at  New- 
port R.  I.  Sept.  27.  1820,  are  here  appropriate  and  important. 

"  Reverend  Brethren  and  Respected  Friends  : 

I  address  you  under  some  circumstances  of  peculiar  disadvan- 
tage; and  the  pleasure  of  meeting  you  again,  on  this  interesting  occa- 
sion, is  mingled  with  regret,  that  in  the  discharge  of  this  duty  I 
cannot  equal  your  just  expectations.  The  infirm  state  of  my  health, 
during  the  nine  months  last  past,  has  necessarily  occasioned  some 
deficiency  in  the  performance  of  Episcopal  duties.  Early  in  August, 
a  tour  was  commenced  with  the  intention  of  visiting  the  northern 
parts  of/  the  Diocese ;  but  for  particular  reasons,  respecting  the 
Churches  in  Vermont,  I  was  requested  to  postpone  my  visit  to  that 
State  till  the  next  Spring.  It  is  now  more  than  twelve  months  since 
I  have  been  desirous  of  visiting  the  Churches  in  th©^eastern  parts ; 
but  it  has  been  judged  expedient  to  delay  this  journey  also,  until  the 
new  Church,  now  nearly  finished  in  Gardner,  in  the  State  of  Maine 
should  be  ready  for  consecration." 

"  On  the  Friday  next  following  the  day  of  our  last  Biennial 
Convention  in  Greenfield,  Joel  Clap  was  ordained  Deacon.  The 
Sunday  after  I  passed  in  Guilford,  in  Vermont.  A  number  of 
people,  actuated  by  a  laudable  zeal  for  promoting  God's  holy  w^or- 
ship,  had  erected  a  neat  and  very  convenient  edifice,  in  which  I 
was  invited  that  day  to  officiate.  The  congregation  was  respect- 
able, and  very  attentive ;  and  though  there  were  then  no  Episco- 
palians in  that  town,  a  number  of  the  principal  people  expressed  a 
desire  to  become  acquainted  with  the  doctrines  and  worship  of  our 
Church ;  and  invited  Mr.  Baury,  a  student  in  theology,  and  since 


172  JOURJfAL-1820. 

a  candidate  for  Holy  Orders,  to  perform  Divine  Service  for  a  few 
weeks  in  their  church.  Mr.  Baury,  who  has  continued  with  them 
to  the  present  time,  has  devoted  himself,  with  great  diligence  and 
pious  zeal,  to  all  the  duties  allowed  to  those  who  are  not  ordained 
to  the  ministry  ;  and  his  labors  have  been  remarkably  blessed.  " 

"  On  the  18th  of  November,  I  was  present  at  the  State  Conven- 
of  Massachusetts,  which  met  in  Salem.  Confirmation  was  admin- 
istered ;  and  the  Rev.  Calvin  Wolcott,  Deacon,  was  admitted  to  the 
Order  of  Presbyters.  And  on  the  19th  of  December  following,  at 
Bristol,  in  Rhode  Island,  Carlton  Chase  and  Patrick  H.  Folker, 
were  ordained  Deacons. 

"  Early  in  the  next  year  I  again  visited  Guilford,  in  Vermont, 
being  invited  by  the  proprietors  of  the  new  church,  and  others, 
who  had  formed  themselves  into  a  society:  and  on  the  18th  of 
February,  1819,  the  house,  by  their  unanimous  request,  was  dedi- 
cated, according  to  the  Canons  and  Usage  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church.  Twenty-one  persons,  including  some  children,  were 
baptized.  Thirty-two  received  confirmation,  apparently  with  a  very 
deep  sense  of  the  nature  and  solemnity  of  the  ordinance.  The 
next  day  I  preached  in  the  Congregational  meeting-house,  about 
four  miles  from  the  Church,  and  near  the  center  of  the  town. 
And  on  Sunday,  the  21st.  again  officiated  in  the  Church,  baptized 
four  adults  and  five  children,  confirmed  eleven  more,  and  adminis- 
tered the  Lord's  Supper  to  forty-two,  very  devout  communicants ; 
of  whom  aboifk'' thirty,  then  for  the  first  time,  received  that  Sacra- 
ment. On  no  occasion  have  I  ever  witnessed  more  pleasing  evi- 
dence of  sincere  piety  and  religious  reverence ;  or  felt  more 
sensibly  the  presence  and  goodness  of  God,  who,  in  His  great 
mercy,  as  there  is  reason  to  believe,  was  pleased  to  bless  that  visi- 
tation to  the  comfort  and  edification  of  His  people.  In  August  of 
the  same  year,  I  made  a  third  visit  to  that  parish  :  on  the  20th 
preached  and  administered  baptism  in  the  meeting-house  ;  and  on 
the  21st  preached  in  the  Church,  baptized  three  adults  and  two 
children,  confirmed  nine  persons,  and  gave  the  Communion  to  about 
forty-five.  Another  society  has,  for  convenience,  been  organized  in 
that  town,  and  Divine  Service  is  performed  alternately  in  the 
meeting-house,  and  in  the  Church  :  and  on  every  Lord's  Day  a  third 
service  is  held  in  the  latter  place."  * 


J0TJRKAL-18W.  173 

"At  an  ordination  held  in  Providence  September  2d,  1819, 
Patrick  H.  Folker  and  George  Taft,  Deacons,  were  admitted  to  the 
order  of  Priests  :  and  Addison  Searl,  Jasper  Adams,  and  Edward 
Lippitt,  were  ordained  Deacons." 

"From  Providence,  I  proceeded  to  Boston,  and  on  the  fourth 
assisted  in  the  interesting  ceremony  of  laying  the  corner  stone  of  a 
new  Church  in  that  town.  The  next  day,  being  Sunday,  I  officia- 
ted in  Dedham ;  and  on  Monday  proceeded  on  a  tour  which 
extended  through  New  Hampshire  and  a  part  of  Vermont.  In  the 
course  of  it,  on  the  15th,  I  assisted  in  the  Institution  of  the  Rev. 
James  B.  Howe  into  the  Parish  of  Union  Church  in  Claremont,  and 
administered  Confirmation  and  the  Lord's  Supper.  The  next  day 
we  had  Divine  Service  and  Confirmation  in  the  morning  at  Cornish  : 
and  in  the  afternoon  prayers  and  a  sermon  at  Windsor,  in  Vermont. 
On  the  iVth,  in  Windsor,  assisted  by  my  Reverend  brethren, 
Abraham  Bronson,  James  B.  Howe,  George  Leonard  and  Titus 
Strong,  I  gave  Priests  Orders  to  the  Reverend  Joel  Clap,  and  to 
Rhodolphus  Dickenson  the  order  of  Deacon.  Confirmation  was 
administered,  and  the  Communion  of  course  given.  The  audience 
appeared  deeply  interested  in  the  solemnities,  and  I  have  rarely 
known  the  services  of  our  Church,  of  ordination  especially,  efibct, 
in  a  congregation,  a  more  serious  impression.  It  is  sufficient  to 
observe,  that  with  some  few  exceptions,  when  others  perform  the 
duty,  my  general  practice  is  to  preach  in  the  Churches  visited. 
In  this  tour  I  visited  sixteen  parishes." 

"  From  January  to  May  of  the  present  year — 1820 — I  was  visit- 
ed with  sickness,  and  able  to  perform  but  few  official  duties.  The 
people  of  my  parish  in  Bristol,  without  curtailing  the  stipend 
allowed  me,  generously  engaged  the  Rev.  Mr.  Taft  to  aid  in  the 
ministry ;  and  he  still  continues  my  assistant." 

"June  the  30th,  assisted  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Brownell,  of 
Connecticut,  and  several  Clergymen  from  various  parts,  I  conse- 
crated St.  Paul's  Church  in  Boston.  The  erection  of  that  elegant 
edifice,  by  the  very  liberal  exertions  of  a  few  respectable  individ- 
uals ;  the  chaste  style  of  its  architecture ;  the  particulars  of  its 
dedication,  and  the  Institution  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  F.  Jarvis,  D.  D. 
the  following  week,  are  things  so  generally  known  in  the  Diocese, 
that  it  is  unnecessary  now  to  repeat  them.      But  it  is  highly 


174  JOURKAL-1820. 

fitting  and  very  much  our  duty  to  render  united  and  unfeigned 
thanks  to  the  Father  of  mercies  for  an  acquisition  so  valuable  to 
our  Churches,  and  to  our  Clerical  body." 

"  Besides  the  Institutions  already  noticed,  the  Kev.  Mr.  Ten 
Broeck  has  been  inducted  into  the  parish  in  Portland ;  the  Rev. 
Joel  Clap  into  the  Church  in  Shelburne,  Vermont ;  and  the  Rev. 
George  Leonard  into  the  Church  in  Cornish,  New-Hampshire." 

"  At  an  ordination  holden  in  Providence  on  the  4th  of  August 
last,  the  Rev.  Jasper  Adams  and  the  Rev.  Lemuel  Burge  were 
ordained  Presbyters.  Also  in  Bristol,  on  the  9th  day  of  the 
present  month,  the  Rev.  Addison  Searle,  Deacon,  was  admitted  to 
the  order  of  Priesthood.  The  whole  number  ordained  Presbyters, 
since  you  last  convened,  including  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chase  this  day 
admitted  to  that  holy  order,  is  nine.  Eleven  have  been  ordained 
Deacons,  three  hundred  and  twenty-four  persons  have  been  con- 
firmed :  six  only  have  been  received  as  Candidates  for  holy  orders, 
to  wit :  Alfred  L.  Baury,  Stephen  H.  Tyng,  Henry  C.  Knight, 
Samuel  B.  Shaw,  Joseph  Muenscher  and  Jordan  Gray.  The  total 
number  of  Candidates  at  present    on  the  list  is  eleven." 

"  The  Rev.  James  Nichols,  having  by  his  letter,  dated  at  Man- 
chester, in  Vermont,  July  2d,  A.  D.  1819,  declared  his  resolution 
to  renoimce  the  Ministry  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and 
in  future  not  to  exercise  any  of  its  functions  :  in  consequence, 
agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  2d  Canon  of  the  General  Con- 
vention of  1817,  he,  the  said  James  Nichols,  on  the  2d  day  of  Sep- 
tember, 1819,  in  the  presence  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Crocker  and  other 
Clergymen,  was  declared  to  be,  and  is  suspended  from  his  grade 
of  the  Ministry  in  said  Church." 

"Since  our  last  Biennial  Convention,  the  district  of  Maine  has 
become  a  State,  and  now  holds  a  respectable  rank  in  the  union 
which  forms  this  rising  empire.  It  became  proper  of  course,  and 
was  judged  expedient,  that  the  few  Churches  in  this  new  State 
should  form  a  state  Convention.  Accordingly  a  meeting  of  Dele- 
gates, from  the  two  Churches  in  Maine,  took  place  in  Brunswick, 
on  the  3d  of  May  in  the  present  year.  They  acceded  to  the 
Constitution  of  the  General  Convention  and  formed  a  Constitution 
for  that  State.  Their  Delegates,  sent  to  the  last  General  Con- 
vention, were  received,  and   their  proceedings  recognized  and 


JOUR^AL-1820.  175 

approved;  and  agreeably  to  their  request,  they  are  annexed  to 
this  Eastern  Diocese.  Whether  any  and  what  alteration  in  our 
Diocesan  Constitution  may  in  consequence  be  necessary,  will 
claim  a  place  in  your  deliberations." 

"The  Church  in  Maine,  though  small,  is  a  jnst  subject  of 
gratiilation  and  praise.  Three  years  ago  we  had  but  about  twelve 
Communicants  in  that  district ;  there  are  now  about  one  hundred. 
Most  laudable  have  been  their  efforts  and  liberality  in  making 
provision  for  the  decent  performance  of  Divine  Worship,  and  the 
regular  administration  of  the  Christian  Ordinances.  In  Gardner 
they  have  erected  a  new  and  very  handsome  Church,  excelling,  in 
the  purity  of  taste  displayed,  and  perfection  of  the  Gothic  style, 
any  edifice  perhaps  in  the  United  States.  If  the  Lord  permit,  it 
•will  soon  be  solemnly  dedicated  to  His  holy  worship.  The  parish 
in  Portland  are  second  to  none  in  their  pious  liberality  :  '  for  to 
their  power, — I  bear  record — yea,  and  beyond  their  power  they 
are  willing,' — and  generously  endeavour  to  render  the  situation 
of  their  worthy  pastor  comfortable  and  happy.  I  have  supposed 
it  my  duty  to  give  them  some  little  aid  from  our  Easter  contribu- 
tions. They  have  obtained  a  bell  for  their  Church.  May  the 
Lord  remember  them  for  good,  and  visit  them  with  His  salvation." 

"The  Church  in  New-Hampshire  has  not  materially  changed 
from  the  state  reported  at  your  last  Convention.  The  Rev. 
Daniel  Barber  has  left  the  Diocese,  and  also,  it  is  reported,  the 
communion  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Howe  has  succeeded  him  in  the  Church  in  Claremont,  where  his 
labours  are  much  blessed." 

"  In  no  part  of  this  Diocese  is  the  change  for  the  better,  during 
the  last  two  years,  more  apparent,  than  in  Vermont ;  though  even 
there,  but  little,  we  fear  of  what  we  ought  to  do,  has  been  effected . 
Mr.  Chase  has  succeeded  Mr.  Chapman  at  Bellows  Falls.  The 
Church  in  Shelburne,  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Clap,  has  very  much 
increased.  New  parishes  might  easily  be  formed,  had  we  mission- 
aries to  feed  them  with  the  Bread  of  Life,  and  rear  them  up  to 
strength  and  maturity.  Some  promising  young  men,  in  that  State, 
are  now  prosecuting  their  studies,  with  a  view  to  the  sacred  minis- 
try. In  Manchester  a  new  Church  is  now  in  building ;  and 
another  in  Windsor.     In  February  next,  it  is  expected  that  the 


176  JOURJ^AL-1820. 

very  important  law  question,  respecting  their  Church  Lands  will 
be  decided." 

"  The  sums  collected  at  our  Easter  contributions  I  have  en- 
deavored, with  the  advice  of  our  Standing  Committee,  to  apply  to 
the  purposes  intended,  with  the  utmost  frugality,  and  according  to 
the  best  of  my  judgment.  This  fund  is  annually  diminishing. 
The  collections  of  the  present  year  are  from  a  few  churches  only, 
and  amount  to  about  two  hundred  and  forty  dollars.  The  greater 
part  of  our  Churches  have  no  such  contributions.  Whether  you 
will  judge  it  expedient  and  just,  still  to  call  on  those  few,  seeing 
it  is  not  made,  as  our  Convention  recommended,  a  general  thing, 
may  be  worthy  of  consideration.  The  apology,  which  is  usually 
made,  for  not  asking  the  people  to  contribute  is,  that  the  parishes 
are  poor,  and  their  burdens  already  heavy ;  facts  which  we  well 
know,  and  sensibly  feel.  But  this  excuse,  as  I  conceive,  is  founded 
on  a  misapprehension  of  what  is  required.  It  is  not  enjoined  upon 
any  parish  or  individual  to  contribute  anything  but  what  can  be 
given  with  convenience,  and  with  a  willing  mind.  It  is  required 
only  that  our  people  may  all  have  a  suitable  opportunity  to  give. 
In  the  poorest  parish  there  may  be  a  few  persons  who  are  able, 
and  willing,  and  desirous,  to  contribute  something  to  this  most 
important  and  charitable  object." 

"  We  know  well  that  among  Christians  of  other  denominations, 
handsome  collections  are  made  in  parishes  much  poorer  than  some 
of  ours  who  contribute  nothing ;  and  we  know  too  that  many  of 
our  people  contribute  to  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  by  other 
sects,  who  would  more  gladly  give,  if,  with  even  less  importunity, 
they  were  called  on  by  the  clergy  of  our  own  communion.  Should 
it  by  any  be  said  that  the  sum  like  to  be  collected  will  be  so  small 
they  are  ashamed  to  present  it,  let  such  reflect  on  the  impiety 
of  thus  dishonouring  our  Divine  Master,  and  neglecting  His  work, 
through  fear  of  bringing  discredit  upon  ourselves  !  Is  it  thus  we 
take  His  Cross,  and  bear  His  reproach  ?  Permit  me,  my  clerical 
brethren,  to  ask,  whether  we  are  not  the  chief  delinquents  in  this 
thing !  —  we  who  ought  to  lead  in  every  measure  which  will  spread 
the  faith  of  the  blessed  Saviour,  and  build  up  His  kingdom.  Are 
not  the  people  more  ready  to  give  for  this  noble  purpose  than  we 
to  ask  ?  Are  we  duly  mindful  of  our  Lord's  command,  doing  all 
in  our  power  to  preach  His  Gospel  to  every  creature  .^" 


JOVBKAL-1820.  177 

"  It  was  resolved  by  tlie  last  General  Convention  to  establish  an 
Institution,  to  be  designated,  'The  Protestant  Episcopal  Mission- 
ary Society  in  the  United  States,  for  Foreign  and  Domestick 
Missions.'  This  Institution,  in  my  judgment,  is  much  to  the 
honour  of  the  General  Convention;  and  ought,  by  every  Diocese, 
and  every  friend  of  our  Church,  to  be  encouraged." 

*'  Let  us  also  be  careful  to  manifest  a  spirit  of  candour,  charity, 
and  Christian  love.  The  best  evidence  that  we  are  Christians,  is 
our  loving  those  who  love  our  Lord  Jesus.  We  had  never  surely 
more  occasion  for  the  exercise  of  forbearance.  Though  ^o.  are 
reviled,  let  us  revile  not  again  ;  but,  as  much  as  lieth  in  us,  live 
peaceably  with  all  men." 

"  That  He,  who  alone  is  able,  will  give  us  success ;  that  the 
business  of  this  Convention  may  be  conducted  with  harmony  and 
wisdom  ;  and  our  hearts  and  lives  be  devoted  to  the  building  up 
of  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom,  is  my  humble  prayer."  Gospel 
Advocate,  vol.  i,  pp.  9 — 18.     Boston,  Jan.  1821. 

It  was  proposed  at  this  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese,  in 
1820,  so  to  amend  the  Constitution,  as  to  admit  Maine,  and  to 
have  an  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Convention  to  be  composed  ofall 
the  Clergy  in  the  Diocese  and  a  Lay  Delegate  from  each  Church. 
Gospel  Advocate,  vol.  ii,  p.  357. 


In  the  Fall  of  this  year,  the  Legislature  passed  the  following 
"Act  appropriating  a  sum  of  money  for  the  purpose  therein 
mentioned." 

"/i!  is  herehy  enacted  hy  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont, that  the  sum  of  three  hundred  dollars  be,  and  hereby  is 
Appropriated  for  the  defence  of  a  suit  in  favor  of  the  society  for  the 
propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts  against  the  town  of 
New-Haven  and  William  Wheeler,  now  pending  in  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  United  States,  in  addition  to  the  monies  heretofore 
appropriated,  for  that  purpose ;  and  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  is 
hereby  directed  to  pay  the  same,  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasu- 
ry not  otherwise  appropriated,  to  the  order  of  David  Edniond  of 
Vergennes,  in  the  county  of  Addison,  Agent  of  the  State  for  the. 
defence  of  said  suit.  Passed  Nov.  16,  1820."  Acts  of  the  Legis- 
lature of  Vermont  1820,  p.  32. 


178  JOTJENAL-18^1. 

1821. 

Bellows  Falls,  June  27th,  1821. 
The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  State  of  Vermont  met  according  to  appointment  in 
Immanuel  Church  Bellows  Falls  at  half  past  8  o'clock,  a.  m. 
Present  : 

The  Rt.  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  President. 
The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson, 
The  Rev.  George  Leonard, 
The  Rev.  Carlton  Chase, 
The  Rev.  Joel  Clap, 
The  Rev.  Alfred  L.  Baurt. 
The  following  Delegates  presented  their  Credentials  and 
took  their  seats,  viz. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD: 

Dana  Hyde,  M.  D.,  John  Phelps,  Esq., 

Guy  Bridgeman. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS: 

Alexander  Fleming,  Esq. 

SANDGATE : 

Mr.  Jordan  Gray. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURNE : 

Joshua  Isham,  Esq. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL  : 

Mr.  Carolus  C.  Brainard. 

The  Rev.  Joel  Clap  was  appointed  Secretary. 

On  motion  by  the  Rev.  George  Leonard,  Resolved,  That 
Clergymen  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  who  may 
be  in  this  vicinity  during  the  Session  of  this  Convention 
who  are  not  members  of  the  same,  be  invited  to  seats  in 
Convention. 

Agreeably  to  the  above  resolution  the  Rev.  Titus  Strong, 
Rector  of  St.  James'  Church,  Greenfield,  appeared  and  took 
his  seat. 


JOVRKAL-18'21.  179 

In  conformity  to  the  45th  Canon  of  the  General  Conven- 
tion, the  following  Parochial  Reports  were  presented  and 
read,  to  wit : — 

BETHEL  AND  BETHESDA  CHURCHES,  ARLINGTON. 

THE  REV.   ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Marriages,  1 ;  Funerals,  3  ;  Communicants,  92. 
ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER. 

THE  REV.  ABRAHAM    BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  1 ;  Marriages,  1 ;  Communicants,  52. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS. 

THE  REV.  CARLTON  CHASE,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  10  ;  Marriages,  4  ;  Deaths,  4 ;  Communicants,  20. 
ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR. 

THE    REV.    GEORGE    LEONARD,    RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  7  ;  Marriages,  3 ;  Burials,  5  ;  Communicants,  from 
35  to  40. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL. 

THE    REV.    GEORGE    LEONARD,    MINISTER. 

Baptisms  9  ;  Marriages,  1 ;  Confirmed,  34  ;  Communicants,  50. 
TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD. 

THE  REV.  STEPHEN  BEACH,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  7 ;  Burials,  5 ;  Communicants,  66 ;  Sunday  School 
Scholars,  20.  This  Church  has  suffered  a  great  loss  the  last  year 
in  the  death  of  Mr.  Anson  Bradley. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

TJHE  REV.  STEPHEN  BEACH,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  7  ;    Marriages  1 ;    Funerals  2  ;    Communicants,  51 ; 
Sunday  School  Scholars,  15. 


180  JOURJfAL-1821. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS. 

THE  REV.  STEPHEN  BEACH,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms,  3 ;  Funerals,  1 ;  Confirmed,  4  ;  Communicants,  17. 
TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURNE. 

THE  REV.  JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  2,  infants  11)  —  13  ;  Funerals,  3  ;  Communi- 
cants, 40. 

BERKSHIRE. 

THE  REV.  JOEL  CLAP,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  (adults  12,  infants  7)  —  19 ;  Marriages,  1 ;  Communi- 
cants, 89. 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY. 

THE  REV.   JOEL  CLAP,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  (adults  4,  infants  5)  —  9 ;  Communicants,  24. 
CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD. 

THE  REV.  ALFRED  L.  BAURY,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms,  14  :  Marriages,  2 ;  Funerals,  4 ;  Communicants,  75  ; 
Sunday  School  Scholars,  from  50  to  60. 

SANDGATE. 

MR.  JORDAN  GRAY,  LAY  READER. 

Baptisms,  2  ;  Burials,  5;  Communicants,  28. 

RECAPITULATION. 
Churches    reported,    13 ;    Baptisms,    101 ;      Marriages,    14  ; 
Burials,  32;  Communicants,  592. 

Mr.  Jeremiah.  Stratton,  Zion  Church,  Manchester,  and 
Noble  Hard,  Bethel  Church,  Arlington,  presented  their 
Credentials  and  were  admitted  to  seats  in  the  Convention. 

The  Kecord  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  last  Convention 
was  then  read. 


JOURJ^AL-1821.  181 

On  motion,  resolved,  That  this  Convention  now  proceed 
to  the  choice  of  a  Standing  Committee.  The  following  gen- 
tlemen, were  duly  elected,  viz.  The  Rev.  George  Leonard, 
the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  the 
Rev.  Joel  Clap. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  elected  Delegates  to  the 
Diocesan  Convention  for  the  year  ensuing,  viz.  The  Rev. 
Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev.  Carltonj  Chase,  the  Rev.  Ste- 
phen Beach,  and  the  Rev.  Joel  Clap — Clerical.  George 
Cleveland,  Esq.,  Joshua  Isham,  Esq.,  Dana  Hyde,  M.  D. 
and  Alexander  Fleming,  Esq. — Lay. 

The  following  Deputies  to  the  General  Convention  were 
duly  chosen,  viz.  The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev. 
George  Leonard,  the  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  and  the  Rev.  Joel 
Clap — Clerical.  The  Hon.  J.  H.  Hubbard,  Joshua  Isham, 
Esq.,  Clement  Trowbridge,  Esq.  and  Alexander  Fleming, 
Esq. — Lay. 

On  motion  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson,  resolved,  That  in 
case  either  or  any  of  the  above  mentioned  Delegates  or 
Deputies  should  not  be  able  to  attend  the  Conventions  to 
which  they  are  chosen,  they  shall  have  power  to  appoint 
Substitutes,  subject  to  the  Constitutional  provision. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  a  Prudential 
Committee  for  the  year  ensuing,  viz.  The  Rev.  Abraham 
Bronson,  John  Phelps,  Esq.,  Hon.  J.  H.  Hubbard,  Hon. 
Daniel  Chipman  and  George  Cleveland,  Esq. 

Resolved,  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  take  into 
consideration  the  expediency  of  establishing  a  Missionary 
Society  in  this  State.  The  following  gentlemen  were  ap- 
pointed said  Committee,  viz.  The  Rev.  George  Leonard, 
the  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  the  Rev.  Alfred  L.  Baury,  Dana 
Hyde,  M.  D.,  Joshua  Isham,  Esq. 

On  motion,  resolved.  That  a  Committee  consisting  of 
three  Clergymen  and  two  Laymen,  be  appointed  to  consult 
with  the  Rt.  Rev.  the  Bishop,  and  report  this  evening 
whether  any,  and  if  any,  what  measures,  it  is  expedient  to 


182  JOUBJfAL-1821. 

adopt  relative  to  the  discipline  of  the  Church.  Whereupon 
the  following  Committee  was  appointed,  viz.  The  Kev. 
George  Leonard,  the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev,  Joel 
Clap,  Mr.  Guy  Bridgeman  and  Mr.  Noble  Hard. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  attend  Divine  Ser- 
vice this  Evening  at  4  o'clock. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned  for  the  purpose  of  attend- 
ing Divine  Service. 

Morning  Prayer  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Joel  Clap.  An 
appropriate  Sermon  was  delivered  by  the  Right  Reverend, 
the  Bishop,  who,  also,  administered  the  Holy  Communion, 
The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  business. 

Martin  Robberts,  Esq.,  a  Delegate  from  Zion  Church 
Manchester,  presented  his  Credentials  and  took  his  seat 
in  Convention. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  3  o'clock  P.  M.  ^- 

Three  o'clock,  p.  m.  The  Convention  met  pursuant  to 
adjournment. 

The  Rev.  George  Leonard  on  behalf  of  the  Committee 
appointed  to  consult  with  the  Rt.  Rev.  the  Bishop  and  re- 
port this  evening  whether  any,  and  if  any,  what  measures, 
it  is  expedient  to  adopt  relative  to  the  discipline  of  the 
Church  ;  made  the  following  report : 

Your  Committee  have  not  found  it  expedient,  at  this 
time,  to  recommend  any  measures  to  be  adopted  relative  to 
the  discipline  of  the  Church,  and  beg  to  be  excused  from 
any  further  consideration  of  the  subject. 

The  Report  was  accepted  and  the  Committee  discharged. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
expediency  of  establishing  a  Missionary  Society  in  this  Dio- 
cese made  the  following  report : — 
To  THE  Convention  of  the 

Protestant  Episcopal  Church  now  sitting  : 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  question  of  the 
expediency  of  establishing  a   Missionary    Society   in   this 


J0URKAL-18%L  183 

Diocese,  beg  leave  to  report,  That  it  is  their  unanimous 
opinion  measures  should  be  taken,  before  the  rising  of  this 
Convention,  to  effect  an  object  so  desirable. 

ALFRED  L.  BAURY,  Chairman. 
Bellows  Falls,  June  27.  1821. 

The  foregoing  report  was  accepted,  and,  on  motion,  the 
following  gentlemen  were  appointed  a  Committee  to  draw 
up  a  Constitution  of  a  Missionary  Society,  viz.  The  Rev, 
George  Leonard,  the  Rev,  Alfred  L.  Baury  and  Joshua 
Isham,  Esq. 

The  Convention  adjourned  for  the  purpose  of  attending 
Divine  Service. 

Evening  Prayer  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Titus  Strong, 
Rector  of  St.  James'  Church,  Greenfield,  Mass.,  and  a 
Sermon  was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin  of  the 
Diocese  of  New  York. 

Immediately  after  Service,  the  Convention  proceeded  to 
business. 

The  Committee,  appointed  to  draw  up  a  Constitution  for 
the  Missionary  Society,  reported  the  following  form  : 

CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY  OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL    CHURCH 
IN  VERMONT. 

Art.  I.  This  society  shall  be  known  by  the  name  of  the 
Missionary  Society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
Vermont. 

Art.  IL  There  shall  be  an  Annual  Meeting  of  this 
Society  on  the  day  following  the  stated  annual  meeting  of 
the  Convention  of  Vermont  at  the  place  where  the  said 
Convention  is  held. 

Art.  III.  The  Officers  of  this  Society  shall  be  a  Pres- 
ident, two  Vice  Presidents,  a  Secretary,  a  Treasurer  and  a 
Board  of  Managers  to  consist  of  three,  to  be  chosen  at  the 
Annual  Meeting  of  the  Society. 


184  JOTJRKAL-18^1. 

Art.  IV.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President  to  pre- 
side ill  the  Society,  and  to  call  Special  Meetings  of  the 
same  at  the  request  of  the  Board  of  Managers. 

Art.  V.  The  Vice  Presidents,  by  seniority,  shall,  in  the 
absence,  or  at  the  request  of  the  President  perform  the 
duties  of  President. 

Art.  VI.  The  Secretary  shall  keep  the  Records  of  the 
Society  and  conduct  the  necessary  correspondence. 

Art.  VII.  The  Treasurer  shall  receive  and  account  for 
all  monies,  and  pay  them  over  by  order  of  the  Board  of 
Managers. 

Art.  VIII.  The  Board  of  Managers,  under  the  direction 
of  the  Bishop,  shall  appoint  Missionaries,  and  superintend 
their  missionary  labours,  and  authorize  them  to  receive  such 
compensation  for  their  services  as  may  be  deemed  adequate. 

Art.  IX.  Persons  shall  be  appointed  in  the  various 
sections  of  the  State  to  solicit  such  aid  for  the  support  of 
Missionaries  as  the  pious  and  charitable  may  be  disposed 
to  contribute,  and  transmit  the  same  to  the  Treasurer 
together  with  the  names  of  the  contributors. 

Art.  X.  Each  person  whose  subscription  may  amount 
to  one  Dollar  annually  shall  be  considered  a  Member  of  this 
Society.  Ten  Dollars  shall  entitle  a  subscriber  to  Member- 
ship for  Life. 

Art.  XL  This  Constitution  may  be  altered,  or  amend- 
ed by  a  vote  of  two  thirds  of  the  attending  Members  of 
the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the 
State  of  Vermont. 

Art.  XII.  The  Members  attending  shall  always  con- 
stitute a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

This  Report  was  accepted,  and  the  Constitution  of  the 
Missionary  Society,  as  above  written,  was  adopted  by  the 
Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  returned 


J0VRKAL-1S21.  185 

to  the  Rt.  Rev.  the  Bishop  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  for  his 
services  in  presiding  over  its  present  Session,  and,  also,  for 
his  excellent  Sermon  this  day  delivered  before  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  returned 
to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin  for  his  Sermon  this  day  delivered. 

On  motion  resolved.  That  the  Constitution  of  the  Mis- 
sionary Society  be  printed,  accompanied  with  a  suitable 
Address. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  G-eorge  Leonard  be  requested  to 
prepare  an  Address  to  be  printed  with  the  Constitution  of 
the  Missionary  Society,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  super- 
intend the  printing  of  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  understand  with  satis- 
faction that  a  publication  has  been  commenced  in  the  East- 
ern Diocese  under  the  name  of  the  Gospel  Advocate,  which 
appears  calculated  to  promote  the  interests  of  Religion  and 
the  Chuich,  and  do  recommend  to  the  friends  of  the  Church 
in  this  State  to  use  their  influence  to  promote  its  circulation. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  Annual  Convention  of  this  Dio- 
cese be  holden  in  Zion  Church,  Manchester. 

The  Rev.  Joel  Clap  was  appointed  to  preach  the  Sermon 
at  the  opening  of  the  next  Convention  :  The  Rev.  Carlton 
Chase  was  appointed  his  substitute. 

The  Convention  adjourned,  without  day. 

Attest,     JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 


In  the  Summer  of  1821,  Bishop  Griswold  visited  the  Churches 
of  Vermont.  The  following  passages  from  his  Address  to  the 
Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocose  at  Portsmouth,  N.  H.  in  1822 
are  the  official  record  of  that  Visitation,  and  properly  belong  to 
the  foregoing  Journal. 

"On  the  28th  of  May,  1821,  I  commenced  a  long  journey,  in 
which  were  visited  the  Churches  in  Vermont,  and  in  the  western 
parts  of  Massachusetts  and  New-Hampshire. " 


186  JOURJ^AL-1821. 

*'  In  Bennington,  Vermont,  I  preached ;  but  such  is  the  preju- 
dice against  the  Episcopal  Church,  in  that  part  of  the  State,  that 
no  preaching  of  its  ministers  among  them  is  likely  at  present  to 
have  much  good  effect.  From  one  respectable  family,  attached  to 
its  worship  and  interests,  I  experienced,  as  on  several  former  occa- 
sions, very  much  kindness  and  hospitality.  " 

"  In  Arlington,  the  Church  continues  to  profit  by  the  zealous 
labours  of  its  pious  pastor.  " 

"  In  Sandgate,  a  town  adjoining,  a  few  Episcopalians  have  organ- 
ized a  parish,  Avith  not  unfavorable  prospects.  The  parish  in  Man- 
chester has  built  a  Church,  and  is  in  a  flourishing  condition.  " 

"  It  was  no  small  comfort  to  find  in  Rutland,  a  few  names,  yet 
steadfast,  under  all  their  discouragements,  and  very  desirous  that  a 
Missionary  should  be  sent  them.  Painful  are  a  parent's  feelings, 
when  his  children  ask  for  bread,  and  he  has  none  to  give  them. 
May  God  in  His  mercy  open  our  hearts  and  fill  our  hands  to  con- 
tribute to  their  relief. " 

"  The  parish  in  Middlebury  continues  very  much  as  it  has  been 
for  years  past,  faint,  yet  pursuing  ;  sutfering  much  under  the  depri- 
vation of  Christian  ordinances  ;  wishing,  and  asking,  and  striving, 
to  obtain  a  minister  ;  but  remaining  destitute.  In  Vergennes,  on 
the  contrary,  they  seem  to  have  relinquished  all  eftbrt,  and  to  have 
abandoned  the  Church  in  despair.  Yet  I  met  there  a  serious  and 
very  attentive  congregation ;  and  even  yet,  the  labors  of  a  faithful 
Missionary  would  probably  be  blessed  among  them.  " 

"  In  Shelburne,  the  state  and  prospects  are  happily  very  differ- 
ent. Through  the  blessing  of  God,  we  succeeded  in  finding  a 
Clergyman  to  labor  there,  and  his  labors' have  been  greatly  blessed. 
The  little  Society,  which,  two  years  before,  contained  but  eight  or 
ten  families,  was  now  increased  to  a  respectable  congregation.  I 
preached  in  Burlington,  and  was  much  obliged  by  polite  atten- 
tions there  received.  " 

"  By  setting  off  from  Burlington  at  an  early  hour,  and  hard 
travelling  in  heavy  roads,  we  arrived  in  St.  Albans,  in  season  for 
services  in  the  afternoon.  In  the  evening  again  we  had  Prayers 
and  a  Sermon.  A  pious,  active  Missionary,  stationed  in  that  place, 
and  officiating  alternately  there,  and  at  Swanton,  might  apparently 
labour  to  much  profit.     The  Churches  in  Sheldon  and  Fairfield 


J0URJ^AL--1821.  187 

were  likewise  in  a  thriving  stale.  But  an  unhappy  state  of  things 
commenced  about  that  time,  and  still  continues.  Some  reports 
and  accusations,  affecting  the  moral  character  of  their  Rector,  have 
rendered  a  discontinuance  of  his  labours  expedient,  till  the  cause 
shall  have  a  canonical  investigation.  " 

"On  the  15th"  of  June,  "  I  visited  anew  parish  in  Berkshire, 
and  was  highly  gratified  in  finding  there  much  piety  and  zeal,  and 
attachment  to  the  Episcopal  Church.  Its  friends  were  then  mak- 
ing preparation  for  erecting  a  House  of  Prayer ;  manifested  a  will" 
ingness,  to  the  utmost  of  their  abilities,  to  procure  and  support  an 
Apostolic  ministration  of  the  Christian  Ordinances.  The  services 
of  that  day  were  unusually  interesting  and  impressive.  There  be- 
ing no  building  sufficiently  capacious  to  contain  the  congregation 
expected,  with  the  timber  collected  for  the  new  Church,  on  a  beau- 
tiful rising  ground,  where  it  is  to  be  erected,  shaded,  by  a  small 
and  very  pleasant  grove  of  sugar  maples,  the  people  prepared  seats 
and  other  accommodations  for  Divine  Service.  Our  Altar  was  built 
as  it  were  ^vith  unhewn  stones;  we  consecrated  those  materials  by 
anticipating  their  use.  The  thought  that  they  were  to  be  fitly 
joined  together,  in  one  beautiful  temple,  dedicated  to  God,  natu- 
rally caused  the  very  interesting  and  serious  reflections,  that  the 
congregation  present  were,  or  ought  to  be,  materials  in  preparation 
'as  lively  stones,'  to  be  '  a  spiritual  house,'  a  '  building  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens.'  Many  circumstances  conspired 
to  heighten  the  interest  of  the  scene  and  the  occasion,  and  make  im" 
pressions  upon  a  serious  mind  not  soon  to  be  forgotten.  Surveying 
the  one,  and  reflecting  upon  the  other;  beholding  a  large  assembly, 
collected  from  many  miles  of  the  country  around,  waiting,  like 
Cornelius  and  his  friends,  and  seeming  to  say,  'we  are  all  here 
present  before  God,  to  hear  all  things  that  are  commanded  thee  of 
God,'  with  the  additional  consideration,  that  their  immortal  well- 
being  might,  in  some  degree,  depend  on  my  knowledge  and  fidel- 
ity, feelings  were  excited,  which  language  cannot  easily  express.  On 
such  occasions,  and  to  the  preacher  of  the  Gospel  similar  occasions 
often  recur,  well  may  we  exclaim  'who  is  sufiicient  for  these  things !' 
It  is  among  the  wonderful  counsels  of  God's  unerring  wisdom,  that 
His  strength  should  be  manifest  in  weakness  ;  that  such  a  'treasure' 
as  the  Gospel  Ministry  should  be  given  us  '  in  earthern  vessels  :' 


188  JOURJfAL-1821. 

that  sinful  creatures,  themselves  'scarcely  saved,'  and  some  of 
them,  wo  may  well  fear,  not  saved,  should  be  made  the  instru- 
ments of  saving  others.  Divine  wisdom,  however,  is  sure  to  adapt 
the  means  to  the  end ;  and  in  the  hands  of  omnipotence,  any 
Bieans  are  effectual.  The  Lord  *  can  satisfy  men  Avith  bread '  in 
the  most  dreary  ivilderness.  What  seems  to  us  impossible,  with 
Him,  is  without  difficulty  :  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching.  He  can 
save  them  that  believe." 

I  was  assisted  in  the  services  by  my  Eeverend  Brethren  Leon- 
ard and  Clap,  who,  to  ray  great  comfort,  and  no  small  assistance, 
accompanied  me  more  than  two  hundred  miles  of  this  journey. 
After  the  second  Lesson,  seven  young  persons,  with  the  appear- 
ance of  much  piety  and  sincere  devotion,  presented  themselves  to 
be  baptized.  The  Sermon  was  heard  with  attention  worthy  of  a 
better  discourse;  and,  it  being  ended,  ^AeV'^y;/??;^  persons  received 
Confirmation  ;  and  they  received  it,  there  was  good  reason  to  be- 
lieve, with  a  just  and  deep  sense  of  its  nature  and  design.  And 
finally,  the  Lord's  Supper  was  administered  to  a  respectable  num- 
ber of  Communicants,  " 

"  The  next  morning,  we  proceeded  to  Montgomery,  where  we 
had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  with  another  newly  formed  Society, 
and  where  the  services  were  very  similar,  and  not  less  interesting. 
The  tears  of  many,  evinced  how  much  awakened  was  their  sense 
that  the  Lord  is  good,  and  they  sinners.  " 

"  Montgomery  is  a  town  but  recently  settled.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Clap,  yet  a  young  man,  was  the  first  child  ( savages  excepted ) 
born  within  its  limits.  The  soil  in  that  part  of  the  State  is  rich 
and  productive,  and  the  country  rapidly  rising  into  importance.  A 
new  stage  road,  from  Boston  to  Montreal,  was  expected  soon  to 
pass  through  Montgomery  and  Berkshire  ;  which,  with  their  vicin- 
ity to  Lake  Champlain,  and  easy  access  to  a  good  and  sure  market 
for  their  abundant  and  valuable  productions,  must  render  that,  at 
no  distant  period,  a  wealthy  part  of  the  State.  But  to  the  pious 
mind,  it  is  far  more  pleasing  to  find  them  increasing  in  'the  true 
riches.'  I  have  been  in  no  place,  where  there  appeared  a  more 
serious  and  awakened  desire  to  know  and  do  the  will  of  God  ;  nor 
where  the  people  are  so  generally  disposed  to  receive  the  doctrines 
of  the  Church,  and  to  delight  in  its  worship.     In  no  part  of  this 


JOUBJsrAL-1821.  189 

Diocese,  and  I  verily  believe,  in  no  part  of  the  United  States,  can 
our  Missionaries  labour  more  profitably,  than  in  Franklin  County, 
and  some  of  the  towns  adjoining,  eastward.  Our  young  Clergy- 
men, whose  circumstances  will  reasonably  admit  of  it,  who  desire 
to  do  good  in  the  service  of  their  Divine  Master,  rather  than  to 
honor  themselves,  and  live  at  ease,  can  no  where  bestow  their 
labours  more  profitably  than  in  the  northwest  part  of  Vermont.  " 

"  Montgomery  was  the  farthest  extent  of  my  tour  in  that  direc- 
tion. In  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day  we  returned  back  through 
Berkshire  to  Sheldon.  The  next  day.  Trinity  Sunday,  we  spent  in 
Fairfield,  where  I  preached  but  twice;  so  long  were  our  services, 
and  so  far  from  their  homes  were  the  most  of  the  people,  that  a 
third  service  was  not  convenient.  It  was  pleasing,  and  an  evi- 
dence of  their  sincere  desire  to  hear  the  Word,  and  receive  the 
Ordinances  of  Christ,  to  observe  the  distance  which  the  people, 
in  that  and  other  parts  of  Vermont,  will  travel,  and  many  of  them 
walk,  to  attend  publick  worship,  and  share  in  the  ministrations  of 
the  Sanctuary.  How  unfaithful  and  without  excuse  would  be 
the  Stewards  of  God's  mysteries — the  Pastors  of  His  Fold — if 
they  who  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness,  should  ever, 
unnecessarily,  be  sent  empty  away  !  Such  zeal  in  the  people, 
was  felt  as  a  strong,  though  silent  reproof  of  my  own  remissness 
in  the  Saviour's  cause." 

•'On  the  morning  of  the  18th,  we  took  our  leave  of  kind  and 
much  beloved  friends,  and  shaped  our  course  for  crossing  the 
mountain  to  the  eastern  side  of  the  State,  by  a  route  which  I  had 
never  before  taken.  In  Richmond,  we  were  joined  by  a  respecta- 
ble gentleman,  a  Lay  Delegate  from  Shelburne,  who,  in  company 
with  his  daughter,  was  on  his  w^ay  to  the  Convention ; — an  acqui- 
sition to  our  little  company,  which  rendered  the  journey  more 
pleasant." 

"  On  the  20th,  we  reached  Randolph,  where  we  were  received 
with  much  politeness,  and  were  entertained  by  a  gentleman  of 
high  respectability.  The  Church  has  some  valuable  friends, 
though  no  parish  in  that  town.  Being  in  a  very  friendly  manner 
invited  by  the  Congregational  Minister  and  others  of  his  society, 
we  had  Divine  Service  and  a  Sermon  in  their  meeting-house. 
There,  too,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  becoming  acquainted  with  a 


190  JOUBJ^AL-1821. 

worthy  Presbyterian  minister,  and  a  part  of  his  interesting  family. 
One  or  two  of  his  sons  are  pursuing  studies  with  a  view  to  Holy 
Orders." 

"The  next  day,  for  the  first  time,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting 
with  a  respectable  number  of  Episcopalians,  in  Bethel,  who  have 
been  too  much  neglected.  I  had  not,  before  that  visit,  supposed 
that  the  number  of  those  attached,  or  at  least,  favourable,  to  our 
Communion  in  that  place,  was  so  considerable.  Though  the 
rains  fell  abundantly,  a  large  congregation  assembled,  and  ap- 
peared to  be  much  interested  in  all  the  services.  The  number 
confirmed  was  much  greater  than  I  had  expected.  They  appeared 
to  be  thankful  for  the  Sermon,  and  refreshed  by  the  visitation ; 
and  it  was  a  subject  of  no  small  regret,  to  myself  certainly,  that 
previous  appointments  at  Windsor  and  other  places,  made  it 
necessary  to  leave  them  soon  and  pursue  our  journey." 

"  The  parish  in  Windsor  continues  to  merit  the  '  praise  of  all 
the  Churches.'  They  were  building  a  new  and  elegant  house  for 
Divine  service,  which  is  now  nearly  finished,  and  is  soon  to  be 
consecrated.  Considering  that  the  parish  is  but  small,  their  pious 
liberality,  prudent  conduct,  and  united  zeal  in  this  noble  work, 
are  deserving  of  the  highest  praise.  Long  may  the  house  remain 
to  them  and  their  children,  through  remote  generations,  a  happy 
Bethel." 

"  On  the  morning  of  the  23d,  we  crossed  the  Connecticut  River 
into  New-Hampshire,  and  had  services  in  Cornish.  There  I  first 
learned,  that  the  parish  in  Claremont,  having  enlarged  their  old 
Church,  and  put  it  in  complete  repair,  requested  that  it  might, 
that  day,  be  consecrated.  With  some  little  difficulty,  and  the 
utmost  diligence  in  making  the  best  use  of  our  scanty  time,  this 
was  done  in  the  afternoon.  The  services  being  ended,  we  pro- 
ceeded three  miles  farther  to  the  village,  where  the  parish  have 
purchased  and  put  in  good  repair,  a  large,  new,  and  convenient 
Church.  In  it,  was  a  handsome  pair  of  chandeliers,  generously 
presented  to  the  Church  by  a  gentleman  in  Boston." 

"  Our  Services  the  next  day — Sunday  the  24th,  being  also,  St. 
John's  day — were  well  attended.  In  consequence  of  a  polite 
invitation,  our  third  services  were  held  in  the  Congregational 


JOURXAL-1821.  191 

Meeting  House.  At  Drewsville,  the  next  day,  the  congregation 
was  small,  and  the  people  appeared  to  be  discouraged." 

"On  Wednesday,  the  27th"  of  June,  "  I  met  with  the  Conven- 
tion of  Vermont,  at  Bellows  Falls.  It  was  well  attended  :  so 
many  Clergymen  of  our  order  had  never  before  been  together  in 
that  State.  After  the  exercises  usual  on  such  occasions,  the 
business  of  the  Convention  was  conducted  and  finished  with  great 
unanimity,  and  much  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  members.  Nothing 
was  transacted  of  more  importance,  than  the  forming  of  a  Mis- 
sionary Society,  which  it  is  hoped  may  prove  to  be  highly 
beneficial." 

"By  travelling  expeditiously,  we  reached  Guilford  in  season 
for  services  in  the  Meeting  House  on  the  2Sth.  In  the  morning 
of  the  day  following,  we  met  in  the  Church,  distant  four  miles ; 
and  in  the  afternoon  pursued  our  journey  to  Greenfield.  And 
thus  was  finished  the  tour  through  Vermont,  having,  in  the  course 
of  it,  visited  every  Church  or  Episcopal  Society  in  the  State. 
Those  of  Sandgate  met  us  in  Arlington ;  and  the  few  of  our 
Communion  in  Pawlet  and  Wells  have  the  benefit  of  the  visit- 
ations of  the  Bishop  of  Xew-York.  In  every  parish  I  preached 
once ;  in  several  twice ;  and  in  some  three  times.  And  in  almost 
every  one,  I  confirmed  and  gave  the  Communion.  In  this  jour- 
ney, which  almost  compassed  the  whole  State,  I  noticed,  with 
awakened  attention  and  great  pleasure,  much  improvement,  which, 
in  the  last  few  years,  has  taken  place.  There  appears  certainly 
to  be  an  increasing  respect  for  the  doctrines  of  Christ  and  the 
worship  of  God.  Pious,  regular,  orthodox,  and  well  educated 
Ministers  of  the  Gospel  are  more  respected,  and  better  received  ; 
and  those  of  a  contrary  character,  less  countenanced  and  supported. 
This,  as  we  may  of  course  suppose,  is  attended  with  improvement 
in  morals ;  and  accordingly  there  appears  less  idleness  and  dissi- 
pation ;  and  the  consumption  of  ardent  spirits  is  evidently  dimin- 
ished. In  agriculture,  more  neatness,  order,  and  industry  are 
visible.  '  Godliness  is  profitable  unto  all  things,  having  promise 
of  the  life  that  now  is.'  What  reason  and  the  Word  of  God 
teach,  does  experience  confirm,  that  a  due  regard  for  religious 
institutions,  and  especially  for  the  regular  and  decent  worship  of 
Almighty  God,  is  productive,  not  of  good  morals  only,  but  of 
good  economy,  and  of  all  the  blessings  of  civil  and  social  life." 


192  JOURJfAL-1821. 

"Sunday,  the  14th  of  October,  I  passed  in  Claremont ;  preached 
three  times  to  very  large  and  unusually  attentive  congregations, 
and  administered  baptism  and  confirmation.  In  the  eleven  years 
of  my  ministry  in  this  office,  I  have  held  confirmation  in  Clare- 
mont nine  times,  and  have  administered  the  rite  in  that  parish 
to  two  hundred  and  sixty-seven  persons.  In  no  place,  perhaps, 
are  the  Ministers  of  Christ  more  cordially  received ;  nor  treated 
with  affection  more  truly  Christian." 

"  On  my  way  into  Vermont,  I  preached  at  Bellows  Falls ;  on 
the  evening  of  the  16th,  arrived  at  Manchester;  and  on  the  17th, 
assisted  by  my  Reverend  Brethren,  Bronson,  Beach,  Chase,  Hum- 
phrey, and  Baury,  consecrated  the  new  Church  in  Manchester, 
called  'Zion  Church.'  The  house  was  much  crowded  through  all 
the  services,  by  people,  who  listened  as  those  who  have  '  ears  to 
hear.'  They  remained  during  the  Communion  Service;  and, 
with  the  exception  of  one  denomination,  all  the  Communicants 
of  various  Churches  present,  including  several  Congregational 
Ministers,  received  with  us  the  Lord's  Supper.  It  seemed  as  a 
pleasing  foretaste  of  that  happy  time,  when  'all  the  faithful  people 
of  God'  shall  unite  in  His  adoration  and  praise.  May  '  His  king- 
dom come;'  and  that  we  may  be  prepared  for  its  unspeakable 
joys,  '  His  will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven.' " 

•'  Zion  Church  is  neat  and  commodious ;  and  though  small,  its 
erection  was  a  noble  work  for  a  still  smaller  parish.  On  this  oc- 
casion, my  thoughts  were  led  to  some  serious  reflections,  whether 
it  might  not  be  chiefly  my  own  fault  that  of  the  Churches  in  this 
Diocese,  the  most  inconvenient  and  least  worthy  of  the  abilities 
and  generous  spirit  of  those  who  worship  in  it,  is  that  of  my  own 
parish  in  Bristol." 

"  On  the  18th,  we  had  services  in  Arlington,  where  a  few  were 
confirmed ;  and  Jordan  Gray  was  admitted  to  the  Order  of 
Deacons.  On  my  way  from  thence  to  the  General  Convention  in 
Philadelphia,  I  had  leisure  to  remain  a  few  days  in  Troy,  in  the 
Diocese  of  New-York ;  which,  both  on  account  of  my  then  declin- 
ing health,  and  the  politeness  and  very  kind  attentions  I  there 
received,  proved  a  providential  blessing."  Gospel  Advocate,  vol. 
ii,  pp.  330—340.     Boston,  Nov.  1822. 


JOURJfAL-1822.  193 

1822. 

Manchester,  June  26th,  1822. 

This  being  the  day  prescribed  by  the  Constitution  of  the 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
State  of  Vermont  for  the  Annual  Meeting  of  said  Conven- 
tion, a  number  of  the  Clergy  and  Lay  Delegates  from 
several  Churches  in  the  State  assembled  in  Zion  Church, 
Manchester,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  m. 

The  following  Clergymen  and  Delegates  were  present  : 
The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,     The  Eev.  Joel  Clap, 
The  Rev.  Stephen  Beach,        The  Rev.  Carlton  Chase, 
The  Rev.  George  Leonard,      The  Rev.  Jordan  Gray. 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER: 
Mr.  Jeremiah  Stratton,        Mr.  Truman  Purdy, 
Mr.  William  Benedict, 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD : 

Dana  Hyde,  M.  D. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL : 
Mr.  Carolus  C.  Brainard. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD: 

Mr.  Nathan  Lobdell,  Mr.  Abijah  Hawley. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON : 

Mr.  Charles  B.  Wesson. 

MIDDLEBURY : 

Mr.  George  Cleveland. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURNE: 

Mr.  Joshua  Isham. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS : 

Mr.  George  Caldwell. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS : 
Mr.  Samuel  A.  Wilkins. 

BETHEL  CHURCH.  ARLINGTON: 

Mr.  Moses  Hard,  Martin  C.  Deming, 

Anson  Canfield. 


1 94  JO  VRJ^AL-1 822. 

The  Kev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  appointed  President, 
and  the  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Secretary. 

The  following  Parochial  Reports  were  then  presented  and 
read,  viz. 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER. 

THE  REV.   ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  4 ;  Marriages,  3  ;  Funerals,  5  ;  Communicants,  57. 
BETHEL  AND  BETHESDA  CHURCHES,  ARLINGTON. 

THE  REV.  ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  3  ;  Marriages,  1 ;  Funerals,  3 ;  Communicants,  87. 

These  parishes,  on  the  whole  remain  much  as  usual,  though 
deaths  and  removals,  together  with  one  suspension  from  each 
Church,  have  somewhat  lessened  the  number  of  Communicants. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD. 

THE  REV.  STEPHEN  BEACH,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  4 ;  Marriages,  3  ;  Funerals,  4 ;  Communicants,  70. 
GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

THE  REV.  STEPHEN  BEACH,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  5  ;  Marriages,  1 ;  Funerals,  2  ;  Communicants,  47. 
UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS. 

THE  REV,  STEPHEN  BEACH,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms,  2;  Funerals,  1;  Communicants,  18. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR. 

THE  REV.  GEORGE  LEONARD,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (in  St.  Paul's  Church  6,  one  in  Bethel)  —  7; 
Marriages,  3  ;  Burials,  4  ;  Communicants,  35. 


J0UR:^AL-1822.  195 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS. 

THE  REV.  CARLTON  CHASE,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  5  ;  Burials,  2  ;  Marriages,  1 ;  Communicants,  25. 

It  may  be  proper  to  mention,  tiiat  during  the  past  year  the 
Parish  has  been  favored  with  a  bequest  of  one  thousand  dol- 
lars, by  a  Lady  lately  deceased  in  the  City  of  New  York. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURNE. 

THE  REV.  JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  9,  children  8)  —  17 ;  Funerals,  3 ;  Marriages,  2  ; 
Communicants,  47  ;  Families,  55. 

BERKSHIRE. 

THE  REV.  JORDAN  GRAY,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms,  5 ;  Marriages,  2 ;  Burials,  1 ;  Communicants,  28  ; 
Families,  16. 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY. 

THE  REV.  JORDAN  GRAY,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms,  7  ;  Burials,  2  ;  Communicants,  27  ;  Families,  14. 
ENOSBURGH. 

THE  REV.  JORDAN  GRAY,  MINISTER. 

Communicants,  11 ;  Families,  6. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD. 

THE  REV.  ALFRED  L.  BAURY,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms,  6 ;  Marriages,  3  ;  Burials,  5  ;  Communicants,  75. 

MIDDLEBURY. 
Baptisms,  8  ;  Marriages,  2 ;  Communicants,  30. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL. 

MR.  CAROLUS  C.  BRAINARD,  LAY  READER. 

Service  has  been  performed  in  this  Church  regularly  since  the 
sitting  of  the  last  Convention  by  Lay  Reading,  and  the  attention 
and  rubrical  responses  given  by  the  congregation  show  the  ardour 


196  JOURJ^AL-1822. 

and  seriousness  of  their  attachment  to  the  primitive  and  Scriptural 
faith  of  our  Apostolic  Church.  Our  little  society  has  heen 
favoured  with  hut  two  days  preaching  the  year  past,  nor  has  the 
Communion  heen  administered  but  once ;  yet  oiir  faith  and  num- 
bers increase,  and  most  earnestly  do  we  pray  the  Lord  of  the 
harvest  to  send  forth  among  us  a  faithful  Labourer. 

During  intermissions  on  Sunday  much  pains  has  been  taken  to 
instruct  children  and  youth  to  the  number  of  about  twenty  in  the 
Common  Prayer  and  Bible,  with  a  degree  of  success  that  reflects 
much  honour  on  said  youth  for  their  unwearied  diligence  and 
perseverance  in  attending  upon  the  instructions  of  their  Catechist. 

The  number  of  Communicants  is  forty-two.  There  are  seven 
candidates  for  Baptism. 

Considering  the  sickening  aspect  of  this  Society  in  a  spiritual 
point  of  view  at  the  time  of  the  re-organization  of  this  Church  in 
April  1821,  and  the  very  little  Clerical  aid  they  have  received, 
strano-ers  as  they  were  to  each  other  and  in  many  instances  stran- 
gers to  true  religion  and  the  Church,  we  have  great  reason,  and 
it  is  our  bounden  duty  to  return  humble  and  hearty  thanks  to  the 
great  Head  of  the  Church  for  granting  in  so  special  a  manner 
the  continual  dew  of  His  blessing  to  this  insulated  branch  of  His 
Catholic  Church.  It  may  be  proper  to  remark  that  during  the 
winter  past  service  has  not  been  performed  in  consequence  of  the 
absence  of  the  Reader.  This  Church  and  society  are  able  and 
willino-  to  advance  one  hundred  dollars  annually  for  the  support 
of  a  Clergyman  among  them  any  part  of  the  time. 

The  Convention  adjourned  for  the  purpose  of  attending 
Divine  Service. 

Morning  Prayer  was  read  by  the  Rev.  George  Leonard, 
and  a  discourse  was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Joel  Clap.  The 
Holy  Communion  was  administered  by  the  Rev.  Carlton 
Chase,  assisted  by  the  Rev.  Jordan  Gray. 

Public  services  being  ended,  the  Convention  proceeded  to 
business. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  adjourned  till  3  o'clock,  p.  m. 

Three  o'clock,  p.  m.  The  Convention  met  according  to 
adjournment. 


^         JOURJ^AL-1822.  197 

On  motion  by  the  Eev.  Carlton  Chase,  the  Convention 
proceeded  to  election  of  Standing  Committee  by  ballot. 

Voted,  That  the  Standing  Committee  shall  consist  of 
four  Members. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  duly  elected  the  Standing 
Committee.  The  Eev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Rev.  George 
Leonard,  the  Eev.  Carlton  Chase  and  the  Eev.  Joel  Clap. 

On  motion  by  the  Eev.  Stephen  Beach,  the  Convention 
proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  Prudential  Committee.  The 
following  gentlemen  were  chosen.  Hon.  Daniel  Chipman, 
George  Cleveland,  Esq.,  Hon.  Jonathan  H.  Hubbard. 

On  motion,  by  the  Eev.  Jordan  Gray,  the  Convention 
proceeded  to  the  appointment  of  Deputies  to  the  General 
Convention.  The  following  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  were 
duly  chosen,  viz.  The  Eev.  Abraham  Bronson,  the  Eev. 
George  Leonard,  the  Eev.  Carlton  Chase,  the  Eev.  Joel 
Clap,  Joshua  Isham,  Esq.,  George  Cleveland,  Esq.,  Elisha 
Sheldon,  M.  D.  and  Mr.  Alexander  Fleming. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  appointment  of  Dele- 
gates to  the  Diocesan  Convention.  The  following  Clerical 
and  Lay  Delegates  were  duly  appointed,  viz.  The  Eev. 
Abraham  Bronson,  the  Eev.  George  Leonard,  the  Eev.  Joel 
Clap,  the  Eev.  Stephen  Beach,  Mr.  Samuel  A,  Wilkins, 
William  Barber,  Esq.,  Eichard  D.  Parker,  Esq.  and  Mr. 
John  Bellendy. 

On  motion  by  the  Eev.  Carlton  Chase,  resolved.  That  in 
case  any  or  either  of  the  Delegates  appointed  by  this  Con- 
vention to  attend  the  General  and  Diocesan  Conventions 
should  not  find  it  convenient  to  fulfil  their  appointment 
they  shall  have  power  to  choose  Substitutes,  subject  to  the 
constitutional  provision. 

The  following  communication  from  the  Secretary  of  the 
General  Convention  was  read  : 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  General  Convention  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America, 


1 98  JO  URJfAL—1 822. 

held  in  the  City  of  Philadelphia  in  the  month  of  May,  1820, 
Resolved,  That  it  be  made  known  to  the  several  State  Con- 
ventions of  the  Church,  that  it  is  proposed  to  consider  at 
the  next  General  Convention,  and  if  deemed  expedient, 
finally  to  ratify,  the  following  alteration  of  the  first  Article 
of  the  Constitution — by  striking  out  so  much  of  the  first 
Article  as  relates  to  the  time  of  holding  the  G-eneral  Con- 
vention, and  by  inserting  after  the  words,  '  United  States  of 
Anerica'  in  the  said  article  the  words, '  at  such  time  in  every 
third  year,'  and  by  inserting  after  the  word  'Convention' 
the  following  clause — 'and  in  case  there  shall  be  an  epidemic 
disease  or  any  other  good  cause  to  render  it  necessary  to 
alter  the  place  fixed  for  any  such  meeting  of  the  Conven- 
tion, that  the  Presiding  Bishop  shall  have  it  in  his  power 
to  appoint  another  convenient  place,  as  near  as  may  be  to 
the  place  so  fixed  on,  for  holding  such  Convention.'" 
Extract  from  the  Journal  of  the  General  Convention. 

ASHBEL  BALDWIN,  Secretary 
of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies." 

On  motion,  resolved,  That  this  Convention  does  not 
approve  of  the  foregoing  proposed  amendment. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  nominated  by  the  Con- 
vention as  a  Trustee  of  the  General  Theological  Seminary 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America,  agreeably  to  the  provision  of  the  third  Article  of 
the  Constitution  of  the  aforesaid  Seminary. 

On  motion  by  the  Rev.  Stephen  Beach,  the  Convention 
adjourned  for  the  purpose  of  attending  Divine  Service. 

Evening  Prayer  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Jordan  Gray,  and 
a  Sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rev.  Carlton  Chase. 

After  the  conclusion  of  Service,  the  Convention  again  met 
for  business. 

On  motion,  resolved.  That  the  Clergy  of  this  State  be 
requested  to  preach  on  the  subject  of  Domestic  Missions,  in 
their  respective  Churches  and  to  solicit  contributions  once 


JO  VRKAL-1 822.  199 

or  more  in  the  year,  for  the  benefit  of  the  funds  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Missionary  Society  of  this  State. 

Kesolved,  That  the  Clergy  of  this  Church  be  requested 
to  perform  similar  services  in  the  several  vacant  Parishes  in 
this  State. 

On  motion,  resolved.  That  the  Rev.  Carlton  Chase  and 
the  Rev.  Joel  Clap  be  a  Committee  to  make  an  Abstract 
of  the  proceedings  of  the  Convention  of  this  State  for  the 
three  years  last  past,  and  to  superintend  the  printing  of  the 
same,  together  with  the  Constitution  and  Canons  of  the 
Church  in  this  State. 

On  motion  voted.  That  the  next  Annual  Meeting  of  this 
Convention  be  held  at  St.  Albans,  except  it  shall  be  reason- 
ably ascertained  that  the  Church  now  building  in  Berkshire 
will  not  be  consecrated  about  the  time  of  said  Meeting,  in 
which  case  the  President  shall  have  it  in  hi^  power  to  ap- 
point it  at  Middlebury  by  giving  timely  notice  of  the  same 
to  the  several  Churches  in  the  State. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  5  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 

Thursday  June  27th,  5  o'clock,  a.  m.  The  Convention 
met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

The  Rev.  Carlton  Chase  was  appointed  to  preach  the 
Sermon  at  the  opening  of  the  next  Convention,  and  the 
Rev.  George  Leonard  as  his  substitute. 

The  Convention  adjourned,  sine  die. 

Attest,     JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 


Some  portions  of  the  Address  of  Bishop  Griswold  to  the  Con- 
vention of  the  Eastern  Diocese  assembled  at  Portsmouth,  New 
Hampshire  September  25,  1802,  of  a  general  and  statistical  charac- 
ter are  here  subjoined  as  properly  forming  a  part  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Diocese  for  that  year.  Tiie  major  part  of  what  in  this  Address 
related  to  Vermont  was  for  reasons  given  put  into  the  Journal  of 
last  year, 


200  JOURMAL-1822. 

"  Rev.  Brethren  and  Friends, 

highly  and  justly  esteemed  : 

Throngli  the  indulgence  of  a  kind  Providence,  we  are  here 
assembled  as  watchmen  in  Zion,  and  constituted  guardians  of 
that  portion  of  God's  Vineyard  committed  to  our  care ;  to  con- 
sult respecting  its  interests  ;  and,  as  the  Lord  shall  give  us  means 
and  wisdom,  to  promote  its  prosperity.  It  is  necessary,  to  the 
good  result  of  our  deliberations,  to  know  the  state  and  wants  of 
our  Churches;  and  it  is  my  duty  to  make  to  you  a  report  of  my 
official  transactions  during  the  last  two  years ;  and  to  add  such 
remarks  and  suggest  such  measures  as  may  seem  just  and  ex- 
pedient." 

"On  the  18th  of  October  1821,  the  new,  commodious,  and  very 
beautiful  edifice,  called  Christ  Church,  Gardner,  was  dedicated  to  the 
worship  of  Almighty  God.  The  Morning  Service  was  performed  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Morss ;  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Jarvis  delivered  an  appro- 
priate Discourse.  On  the  19th  was  a  Confirmation  and  other  servi- 
ces. My  intention  is  with  the  Divine  permission,  again  to  visit 
those  two  Churches  in  Maine,  immediately  after  the  adjournment 
of  the  present  Convention.  It  is  decidedly  my  opinion,  that  the 
spiritual  interest  and  prosperity  of  our  Churches  require  that  every 
parish  should  be  annually  visited  by  its  Diocesan  :  but  the  very  limi- 
ted and  scanty  funds  of  this  Diocese,  and  the  extent  of  country 
over  which  our  few  Churches  are  scattered,  render  such  frequent 
visitations,  at  present,  impracticable.  My  intention  is,  and  with 
few  exceptions,  my  practice  has  been,  to  visit  all  the  parishes  at 
least  once  in  two  years;  and  a  large  proportion  of  them  twice,  or 
oftener.  It  requires  no  great  wisdom  to  foresee,  what  experience 
will  probably  soon  verify  ;  that  our  present  practice  of  making  a 
State,  however  large,  but  one  Diocese  may  be  very  pernicious  to 
the  cause  of  true  godliness,  and  the  best  interest  of  the  Churches. 
Thirty,  or  at  most  forty  parishes  are  enough  for  one  Diocese ; 
unless  their  location  is  very  compact.  And  though  the  number  in 
this  Diocese,  excepting  some  very  small,  does  not  much  exceed 
forty,  it  is  desirable  that  as  soon  as  it  can  with  propiety  be  effected* 
this  Diocese  should  be  divided.  Vermont,  especially,  however 
reluctantly  I  might  relinquish  the  happiness  of  ray  present  very 
interesting  connexion  with  its  Churches,  ought,  as  soon  as  circum- 
stances will  admit,  to  have  a  Bishop  wholly  its  OAV.n." 


JOURMAL-lSn.  201 

*'  On  iny  return  from  Maine,  I  passed-Sunday,  the  22d,  in  Ports- 
mouth, whore  I  preached  three  times,  and  confirmed  thirty  persons. 
What  the  state  of  this  Church  is  and  what  the  politeness  and  hos- 
pitality of  its  members,  we  all  have  the  pleasure,  of  seeing." 

"  The  24th,  I  preached  and  confirmed  in  Newburyport.  In  the 
evening  we  had  a  second  service,  when  the  Rev.  Dr.  Jarvis  preached 
to  a  large,  and  very  attentive  congregation.  The  solemnity  of  the 
services,  and,  in  all  human  appearance,  their  good  effect,  evinced 
more  forcibly  than  many  arguments,  the  expedience  and  utility  of 
occasionally  opening  our  Churches  in  the  evening  and,  when  prac- 
ticable, of  doing  it  at  regular  and  stated  seasons.  In  towns,  and 
large  villages  especially,  where  tlie  people  may  easily  assemble,  the 
salutary  effect  of  such  extra  services  is  very  manifest.  Many  will 
attend  these  meetings,  who  cannot,  with  convenience,  and  some 
who  cannot  consistently  with  what  they  suppose  their  duty, 
attend  our  religious  worship  at  other  times.  A  third  service  is  pe- 
culiarly beneficial  on  Sunday  evenings,  when  the  minds  of  people 
are  less  engaged  with  temporal  cares,  and  more  disposed  to  spirit- 
ual things.  Very  many,  of  young  people,  especially,  who  would 
otherwise  spend  the  evening  of  the  Lord's  Day  in  idle  parties  and 
vain  conversation,  are  drawn  to  the  house  of  God,  and  their  atten- 
tion called  to  things  which  concern  their  immortal  welfare.  " 

"  My  last  information  from  those  parts  " — the  northwestern  part 
of  Vermont — "  which  is  quite  recent,  states,  that  the  prospects  are 
still  brightening.  Since  my  visit  there,  a  parish  has  been  formed 
in  Enosburgh.  Mr.  Gray,  the  Minister  now  officiating  in  those  new 
parishes,  has  preached  in  several  other  towns  in  the  vicinity.  Large 
congregations  assemble  to  hoar  the  Word  ;  many  are  desirous  to 
obtain  Prayer  Books;  and,  in  all  human  probability,  several  other 
societies  might  be  easily  formed.  There  are  already  between  sixty 
aud  seventy  Communicants,  where,  a  short  time  since,  we  had 
none.     The  call  there  for  missionary  labours  is  still  increasing." 

"  The  General  Convention  in  October  last,  as  is  well  known,  was 
specially  called  on  the  business  of  the  Theological  Seminary.  The 
result  was  happier  than  perhaps  any  of  the  members,  under  exis- 
ting circumstances,  had  dared  to  hope.  To  avoid  the  dreadful 
evils  of  strife  and  litigation,  it  was  judged  expedient  to  yield, 
almost  wholly,  to  the  high  claims  of  the  Diocese  of  New-York. 


202  JOURJfAL-1822. 

The  Constitution  adopted,  gives  the  General  Convention  some 
control  in  the  concerns  of  the  Seminary  :  but  in  its  operation,  it 
will  no  doubt  be  managed  chiefly  by  that  Diocese.  It  is  not  my 
intention,  however,  to  insinuate  that  the  management  is  placed  in 
improper  hands.  Its  location  in  the  most  populous,  commercial 
and  frequented  city  of  our  country,  will  necessarily  exclude  a  large 
part  of  our  theological  students  from  the  school ;  and  is,  in  my 
judgment,  on  other  accounts,  injudicious." 

During  the  last  two  years,  every  parish  in  this  Diocese,  except 
some  very  recently  organized,  has  been  visited.  In  almost  all  of 
them  Confirmation  has  been  once  administered,  and  in  many  of 
them  twice.  The  whole  number  confirmed  is  six  hundred  and  fifty - 
two  :  a  number  certainly  not  large  for  so  many  Churches.  But  it 
should  be  considered,  that  the  greater  part  of  our  parishes  are  yet 
very  small;  and  also  that  I  have  not  thought  it  my  duty  to  encour- 
age any  to  make  that  solemn  profession  of  their  belief  and  devo- 
tion to  God,  except  they  are  sufficiently  instructed  in  Christianity, 
and  receive  the  ordinance  from  pious,  conscientious  motives.  The 
practice,  which  w^e  may  well  fear  has  not  been  uncommon,  of  ad- 
mitting to  confirmation,  and  even  urging  to  be  confirmed,  those 
who  have  no  serious  sense  of  religion,  nor  real  intention  to  devote 
themselves  to  God,  through  Christ,  is  injurious  to  Christianity,  and 
to  our  Church  in  particular:  it  has  caused  confirmation  to  be  light- 
ly esteemed,  and  much  neglected.  And  we  may  add,  as  a  further 
reason,  why  there  are  in  this  Diocese  so  few  confirmations,  that  a 
great  proportion  of  our  largest  parishes  are  on  the  sea-board;  in 
which,  it  is  painful  to  state,  there  are  fewer  males  who  receive  the 
Christian  ordinances.  In  a  visitation  to  one  of  our  principal 
Churches,  there  were  fifty  females  confirmed,  and  not  one  male. 
In  our  country  Churches  the  men  are  little  enough  attentive  to 
spiritual  things;  but  they  are  still  less  so  in  commercial  towns. 
If  '  one  goes  his  way  to  his /ar/w,'  rather  than  his  Saviour;  still 
more  frequently  does  "another  to  his  merchandize.  " 

"  To  the  list  of  candidates  have  been  added,  Seneca  White, 
Wm.  T.  Potter,  Benjamin  C.  Cutler,  Lot  Jones,  Charles  H.  Alden, 
George  Griswold,  and  George  Richardson.  The  number  is  small, 
as  is  also  that  of  the  ordinations.  Alfred  L.  Baury,  John  J.  Robin- 
son, Samuel  B.  Shaw,  Silas  Blaisdale,  Stephen  H.  Tyng,  Jordan 


J0UBMAL-1S22.  203 

Gray,  Charles  H.  AlJen,  Alexander  Jones,  Junior,  and  Benjamin 
C.  Cutler,  have  been  received  to  the  Order  of  Deacons ;  and  the 
Rev.  Isaac  Boyle  only  has  been  ordainad  a  Presbyter,  " 

"  Mr.  Shaw  and  Mr.  Tyng  have  had  Letters  Dimissory  to  the 
Southern  States.  " 

"  There  is  one  subject,  which,  in  every  Address,  and  on  every 
occasion  ;  in  season  and  out  of  season  ;  I  tliink  it  my  duty  to  keep 
constantly  in  view,  and  which  I  scarcely  need  add,  is  that  of  assist- 
ing our  small  poor  parishes.  In  addition  to  what ;  at  sundry 
times  and  in  diverse  manners ;  I  have  said  upon  this  point,  permit 
me  to  call  your  attention  to  the  hai'd  case  of  those  who,  from  a 
conscientious  preference  for  the  doctrines,  worship,  and  discipline 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  have  withdrawn  from  other 
denomintions,  and  from  whom,  they  have  been  accustomed  to  re- 
ceive much  attention,  and  enjoy  great  privileges,  and  have  formed 
themselves  into  societies,  according  to  our  order  and  discipline  ; 
and  now  find  themselves,  in  a  great  degree,  or  altogether,  neg- 
lected. They  have  none  to  encourage,  none  to  instruct  them  : 
they  rarely,  if  ever,  hear  the  words  of  life  from  the  lips  of  our 
Ministers ;  they  become  at  length  disheartened,  and  discontinue 
their  efforts.  Were  they  suitably  and  in  season  cherished,  others 
would  be  encouraged  to  follow  their  example.  But  as  the  case  is, 
the  contrary  is  the  effect.  Many  whose  faith  and  hearts  are  with 
us,  are  deterred  from  making  an  effort  so  hopeless." 

"In  no  one  thing  as  I  conceive,  can  we  better  promote  the 
interests  of  religion,  than  in  selecting,  encouraging,  and  aiding 
pious  young  men,  of  suitable  qualifications,  to  labour  as  Mission- 
aries in  the  remote  parts  of  this  Diocese.  Or,  if  there  be  any  one 
duty  of  still  greater  importance,  it  is,  that  all  the  members  of  our 
Churches  should  be  more  frequent,  and  more  earnest  in  our 
prayers  to  Almighty  God,  and  the  adorable  Head  of  the  Church, 
that  He  will  send  Labourers  into  His  Harvest — Pastors  after  His 
own  mind;  and  that  he  will  direct  and  prosper  those  who  are  now 
engaged  in  the  sacred  ministry.  It  is  much  to  be  feared  that 
there  is  among  us  a  very  great  deficiency  in  this  duty,  without 
which,  you  well  know,  all  we  do  else  is  to  little  purpose.  Our 
blessed  Lord  has  particularly  commanded  us,  as  the  most  effectual 
means  of  obtaining  labourers  for  His  work,  to  apply  directly,  by 


204  JOURNAL-1823. 

prayer,  to  Him,  Hhe  Lord  of  the  Harvest.''  That  he  may  inspire, 
direct,  and  hear  our  prayers,  God  mercifully  grant  through  Jesus 
Christ." 

The  whole  Address  from  which  the  foregoing  paragraphs  are 
copied  may  be  found  in  the  Gospel  Advocate,  vol.  ii.  pp.  330-340. 
Boston  Nov.  1822. 

The  alterations  in  the  Constitution  of  the  Eastern  Diocese 
proposed  at  the  last  Meeting  of  the  Convention — in  1820 — were 
unanimously  adopted.  By  these  alterations,  Maine  became  a 
member  of  the  Diocese,  the  Meetings  of  the  Convention  Annual, 
and  all  the  Clergy  and  a  Delegate  from  each  Church,  members  of 
the  Convention. 

The  following  alterations  in  the  Constitution  were  proposed  in 
the  Convention  of  1822,  and  ordered  to  lie  over  for  consideration 
at  the  next  meeting  of  the  same,  viz.  in  the  second  Article,  that 
the  words,  "  each  of  the  States  by  rotation,"  be  erased,  and  the 
words,  "  such  place  as  shall  be  agreed  upon  at  the  preceding  Con- 
vention," be  inserted  ;  also,  that  after  the  words,  "lay  delegate," 
the  words,  "or  delegates,  not  exceeding  three,"  be  inserted.  In 
the  tenth  Article,  that  the  word  annual  be  substituted  for  the 
word  biennial.     Gospel  Advocate,  vol.  ii,  p.  357. 


1823. 

MiDDLEBURY,  June  24th,  1823. 

This  being  the  day  appointed  by  the  Constitution  for  the 
Annual  Meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  Vermont,  several  Clergymen  and  Lay  Del- 
egates, assembled  in  the  Church  at  Middlebury,  at  half 
past  nine  o'clock,  a.  m. 

The  Kev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  elected  President  and 
the  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Secretary. 

The  following  Clergymen  were  present  : 
The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  The  Rev.  Carlton  Chase, 
The  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  The  Rev.  Samuel  B.  Shaw, 
The  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  The  Rev.  Elijah  Brainard. 


J0UB:N'AL-1823.  205 

The  following  Delegates  presented  Certificates  of  their 
appointment  and  took  their  seats  : 

BETHEL  AND  BETHESDA  CHURCHES,  ARLINGTON: 

Noble  Hakd. 
ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER: 

Jesse  Hard,  Truman  Purdy. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURNE : 

Joshua  Isham,  Nehemiah  Saxton. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD: 

Abijah  Hawlet. 

UNION  CHURCH.  ST.  ALBANS: 

John  Richardson,  Samuel  A.  Wilkins. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON: 

John  S.  Gallup. 

CALVARY  CHURCH,  BERKSHIRE: 

Amherst  Willoughbt. 

ENOSBURGH: 

William  Barber. 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY: 

John  L.  Clap. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL : 

B.  Cotton. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD : 

Cyprian  Stevens. 

On  motion  resolved,  That  the  Eev.  Moses  Burt,  from  the 
Diocese  of  New- York,  be  invited  to  an  honorary  seat  in  this 
Convention. 

On  motion,  adjourned  for  the  purpose  of  attending  Divine 
Service. 

MoiTiing  Prayer  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Samuel  B.  Shaw, 
and  a  Sermon  preached  by  the  Rev.  Carlton  Chase.  The 
Holy  Communion  was  administered  by  the  Reverend,  the 


206  JO  VRKAL-1 823. 

President,  assisted  by  the  Kev.  Mr.  Shaw.  After  which, 
the  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  Hon.  Daniel  Chipraan,  Middlebury,  exhibited  his 
Credentials  and  took  his  seat. 

Cotesworth  P.  Bronson,  having  satisfied  the  Convention 
of  his  appointment,  as  a  Lay  Delegate  from  St.  Matthew's 
Church,  Sandgate,  was  admitted  to  his  seat. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  adjourned  until  3  o'clock, 
p.  M. 

Three  o'clock,  p.  m.  The  Convention  met  according  to 
adjournment.  Samuel  B.  Booth,  Lay  Delegate  froin  Ver- 
gennes,  presented  his  Credentials  and  took  his  seat. 

On  motion  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  a 
Committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  revise  the  Canons  of 
the  Church  in  this  State. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  the  Committee  ; 
The  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  the  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith  and 
the  Hon.  Daniel  Chipman. 

The  following  Parochial  Reports  were  presented  and  read : 

BETHEL  AND  BETHESDA  CHURCHES,  ARLINGTON. 
Marriage,  1 ;  Funerals,  11 ;  Communicants,  80. 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  MINISTEE. 

Baptisms,  5  ;  Marriage,  1 ;  Funerals,  5  ;  Communicants,  57. 
These  Churhes,  for  the  last  year,  have  suffered  much  from  deaths 
and  removals,  and  but  one  Communicant  has  been  added  to  each. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS, 

CARLTON  CHASE,  RECTOR, 

Continues  in  a  flourishing  condition.  Nothing  worthy  of  particu- 
lar notice  has  taken  place  during  the  past  year.  Marriage,  1 ; 
Deaths,  8 ;  Communicants,  26.  It  is  expected,  that  a  considerable 
number  of  children  will  soon  be  baptized. 


JO  VEKAL-1 823.  207 

The  parish  in  MidJlebury  has  been  called  to  contend  with 
numerous  difficulties  and  discouragements.  It  is  long  since  they 
have  enjoyed  the  ministrations  of  a  stated  Pastor.  And  the  faith 
and  hope  of  its  friends  have  been  tried  to  the  utmost.  They  have 
been  discouraged  by  the  removal  and  death  of  some  of  their 
warmest  supporters ;  and  they  have,  in  some  instances,  been  for- 
saken by  their  firm  friends,  who  were  finally  discouraged  by  the 
low  prospects  of  the  Church.  But  a  new  impulse  appears  now  to 
be  felt.  Very  active  exertions  are  making  to  render  the  small 
house  where  they  worship  more  commodious,  and  to  provide  a 
fixed  maintenance  for  a  permanent  Minister.  Encouraging  hopes 
are  now  entertained  that  they  will  see  days  of  prosperity  accord- 
ing to  the  days  wherein  they  have  seen  adversity.  And  it  is 
hoped  that  fervent  prayers  are  ascending,  and  will  continue  to 
ascend,  for  God's  special  blessing  upon  those  exertions  which  are 
making  for  the  advancement  of  His  kingdom  in  the  midst  of  us. 
The  number  of  Communicants  has  been  greatly  diminished  by 
death  and  removal.  It  is  now  only  twenty-seven.  The  number 
of  Baptisms  the  last  year  has  been  only  three — one  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Bronson,  and  two,  by  the  present  Pastor. 

Benjamin  B.  Smith. 


TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD. 

E.  BRAINARD,  MISSIONARY. 

Communicants,  60  ;  Deaths,  2. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

E.  BRAINARD,  MISSIONARY. 

Baptisms,  8 ;  Communicants,  42. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS. 

E.  BRAINARD,  MISSIONARY. 

Births,  3  ;  Baptisms,  2 ;  Communicants,  11 ;  Removals.  7. 


208  JOURJfAL-1823. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURNE. 

JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  7,  children  10) — 17;  Marriages,  3  ;  Funer- 
als, 6 ;  Communicants,  62. 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY. 
Communicants,  24. 

ENOSBURGH. 
Communicants,  12. 

BERKSHIRE. 

Baptism,  1  ;  Communicants,  27. 

These  Parishes  have  sustained  a  very  great  loss,  in  the  sudden 
death  of  their  worthy  and  much  beloved  Minister,  the  Reverend 
Jordan  Gray,  whose  clerical  labours  were  peculiarly  acceptable  to 
the  people  of  his  charge,  and  the  unblemished  holiness  and  piety 
of  his  life  had  endeared  him  to  a  numerous  circle  of  friends 
among  whom,  the  prospect  of  his  future  usefulness  was  continually 
brightening,  until  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  in  His  holy 
providence,  removed  him  from  his  labours,  on  the  7th  of  April 
last,  while  attempting  to  cross  a  small  stream  swollen  by  the  rains. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL. 

JOEL  CLAP,  MISSIONARY. 

Baptisms   (adult  1,  children  12)  —  13  ;  Communicants,  56. 
CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD. 

SAMUEL  BRENTON  SHAW,  MINISTER. 

Baptism,  1 ;  Marriages,  2 ;  Deaths,  5 ;  Communicants,  45. 
As  many  as  seventy-five,  according  to  the  last  year's  report,  have 
communed  in  this  Church,  but  not  more  than  the  above  number 
consider  themselves  Episcopalians.  Families,  65 ;  Sunday  Schol- 
ars, 50.  This  Parish  was  destitute  of  clerical  services  during  a 
great  part  of  the  past  year. 


JO  URJ^AL-l  823.  209 

ST.  MATTHEW'S  CHURCH,  SANDGATE. 

C.  p.  BRONSON,  LAY  READER. 

Funerals,  2;  Communicants,  22 ;  Families,  30.  The  prospects 
of  this  Church  are  somewhat  encouraging  ;  there  is  a  Sunday- 
School  established  here  which  is  quite  promising,  in  which  are 
taught  every  Sabbath  from  thirty  to  forty  scholars. 

The  whole  number  of  Baptisms,  45;  Burials,  34;  Communi- 
cants, 551. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  elected  the  Standing  Com- 
mittee, for  the  ensuing  year  :  The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson, 
the  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  the  Rev.  George  Leonard,  the  Rev, 
Benj.  B.  Smith  and  the  Rev.  Joel  Clap. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  the  Prudential 
Committee  :  Hon.  Daniel  Chipman,  Hon.  Jonathan  H, 
Hubbardj  Dorastus  Wooster,  Joshua  Isham,  and  George 
Cleveland,  Esqrs. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev,  Mr.  Smith,  Resolved,  That  in  case 
there  should  be  a  Special  Meeting  of  the  General  Convention 
within  the  ensuing  year,  the  Delegates  appointed  by  this 
Convention,  at  their  last  annual  meeting,  be  authorized  to 
represent  this  Convention  in  that  body. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev,  Mr,  Chase,  Resolved,  That  the 
Agents  and  Attorneys  of  the  "Incorporated  Society  estab- 
lished in  London  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  For- 
eign Parts,"  be  requested  to  lay  before  this  Convention 
such  information  as  they  possess  in  relation  to  Lands  which 
they  have  in  charge  for  said  Society,  and  what  the  Church 
in  this  State  may  reasonably  expect  from  the  avails  of  said 
Lands, 

The  following  extract  from  the  Journal  of  the  General 
Convention,  received  from  the  Secretary  of  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies,  was  laid  before  the  Convention  : 
"  Resolved,  That  in  order  that  the  contingent  expenses  of 
the  General  Convention  may  be  defrayed,  that  it  be  rec- 


210  J0UR:^J.L-1823. 

ommended  to  the  several  Diocesan  and  State  Conventions 
to  forward  to  the  Secretary  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and 
Lay  Deputies  at  each  meeting  of  said  Convention,  the  sum 
of  seventy-five  cents  for  each  Clergyman  within  said  Dio- 
cese and  State." 

Whereupon,  on  motion  of  the  Kev.  Mr.  Smith,  "Resolved,. 
That  this  Convention  highly  approve  of  the  method  pro- 
posed by  the  Secretary  of  the  General  Convention  with 
regard  to  the  mode  of  defraying  the  incidental  expenses  of 
that  body  ;  and  that  it  holds  itself  in  readiness  to  comply 
with  said  resolution. 

On  motion  of  the  Hon.  Mr.  Chipman,  Resolved,  Thaf 
the  Secretary  be  directed  to  deliver  over  to  the  Clerk  of  the 
Agents  of  "  The  Incorporated  Society  established  at  Lon- 
don for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts," 
all  the  papers  and  documents  in  his  possession  relating  to 
the  Lands  in  this  State  belonging  to  said  Society. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Chase  proposed  the  following  amendments 
to  the  Constitution:  after  the  word  "Convention,"  in  the 
second  line  of  the  4th  Article  in  the  printed  copy,  to  strike 
out  the  words,  "  and  when  there  is  to  be  a  session  of  the 
General  Convention  within  the  ensuing  year,"  and  insert 
the  word  "also:"  After  the  words  "delegation  shall,"  in 
the  4th  line,  to  insert  the  word  "annually."  Also,  in  the 
5th  line,  after  the  words  "  this  State  in  "  to  strike  out  the 
words  "  that  body;  also  as  long  as  this  State  shall  belong 
to  the  Eastern  Diocese,  a  delegation  shall  be  appointed  to 
attend  each  Diocesan  Convention,  or  at  some  meeting 
specially  warned  for  that  purpose,"  and  insert  the  words 
"the  Generalo  Convention."  Also,  in  the  11th  line  of  said 
Article,  to  strike  out  the  words  "  or  Diocesan." 

Adjourned,  until  8  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Thursday,  June  25th,  8  o'clock,  a.  m. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Hannibal  Hodges,  Lay  Delegate  from  Trinity  Church, 
Rutland,  presented  his  Credentials  and  took  his  seat. 


JOURJ^AL-1823.  211 

The  Hon,  Daniel  Chipman,  in  behalf  of  the  Agents  and 
Attorneys  of  "  The  Incorporated  Society  established  at 
London  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts," 
made  a  verbal  report,  in  answer  to  the  request  contained  in 
a  resolution  adopted  by  this  Convention  yesterday.  Where- 
upon, Resolved,  That  the  said  Agents  be  requested  to  reduce 
said  Report  to  writing,  and  the  Secretary  is  directed  to 
publish  the  same  with  the  Journal,  together  with  such 
remarks  on  the  same,  as  may  be  useful  to  the  members  of 
the  Church  in  this  State  ;  and  that  the  Rev,  Benj.  B.  Smith, 
George  Cleveland  and  Dorastus  Wooster,  Esqs,  be,  and  are 
hereby  appointed  a  Committee  to  carry  the  object  of  this 
resolution  into  effect. 

On  motion,  adjourned  for  the  purpose  of  attending  Divine 
Service. 

Morning  Prayer  was  read  by  the  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  and  a 
Sermon  preached  by  the  Rev.  Benj.  B.  Smith :  After  which 
the  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

On  motion,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  Resolved,  That  the 
next  Annual  Meeting  of  this  Convention  be  held  in  Christ 
Church,  Bethel. 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith  was  appointed  to  preach 
at  the  opening  of  the  next  Convention,  and  the  Rev.  Sam- 
uel B.  Shaw,  his  Substitute. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  in  behalf  of  the  Committee  appoint- 
ed to  revise  the  Canons,  presented  a  report  which  was 
accepted  ;  and  after  the  adoption  of  sundry  amendments 
to  the  second  Canon  as  reported,  the  following  Canons  were 
adopted  by  the  Convention  : 

CANON  I. 

OF    THE    MODE    OF    TRYING    CLERGYMEN   ACCUSED    OF    MISDE- 
MEANOR. 

Whenever  the  Standing  Committee  shall  have  reason  to 
suspect  any  Clergyman  of  this  Church  to  be  guilty  of  in- 
fidelity, heresy,  vice,  or  irregularity  of  any  kind,  it  shall  be 


212  JOUBJfAL-1823. 

their  duty  to  inquire  into  the  circumstances  of  the  case  ; 
and  if,  upon  such  inquiry,  they  are  convinced,  that  there 
exists  sufficient  cause  of  complaint,  they  shall  represent  the 
same  to  the  Bishop,  at  the  same  time  stating  specifically 
whereof  the  party  is  accused  ;  whereupon,  by  order  of  the 
Bishop,  a  council  of  Presbyters,  consisting  of  not  less  than 
three,  shall  be  convened,  who  under  the  direction  of  the 
Bishop,  shall  proceed  in  due  time  to  try  the  party  accused  ; 
a  copy  of  the  accusation  or  accusations,  and  twenty  days 
notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  trial  being  communicated 
to  such  party.  And  furthermore,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  Standing  Committee  at  such  trial,  to  lay  before  the 
Bishop  and  his  Presbyters,  such  evidence  as  they  may  be 
able  to  obtain  relative  to  the  case  under  investigation. 

CANON  II. 

OF  THE  FORMING  AND  ORGANIZING  OF  CHURCHES. 

Whenever  any  number  of  persons  in  this  State  shall  form 
themselves  into  a  regular  Society,  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal faith,  in  such  manner,  as  tliat  they  will  become  a  body 
corporate  according  to  law,  and  their  proceedings  shall  be 
sanctioned  by  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  and  the  Standing 
Committee  of  this  State,  or  in  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the 
Episcopal  Office,  by  the  state  Convention  or  its  Standing 
Committee,  they  shall  be  admitted  to  all  the  rights  and 
privileges  of  a  regular  Church,  subject  at  all  times  to  the 
authority  and  discipline  of  said  Bishop,  or  in  case  of  a 
vacancy  in  the  Episcopal  Office,  of  said  Convention  or  its 
Standing  Committee. 

Voted,  That  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  Secretary  be 
appropriated  towards  defraying  the  expense  of  printing  the 
Journal  of  the  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Benj.  B.  Smith  and  the  Hon.  Daniel  Chipman 
were  appointed  a  Committee  to  report  to  the  next  annual 
meeting  of  this  Convention,  a  uniform  mode  of  election  of 


JOURNAL— 1823.  213 

Lay  Delegates  from  the  several  parishes  in  this  State,  and  a 
form  of  certificate  of  said  election. 
Adjourned,  without  day. 

Attest,     JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 

REPORT  OF   THE   AGENTS. 

To  the  Convention  of  the  Episcopal  Church  of  the  State  of 
Vermont,  now  convened  at  Middlebury,  the  undersigned,  Agents 
and  Attorneys  of  the  Incorporated  Society  established  at  London 
for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  for  recovering 
the  possession  of  their  Lands  in  the  State  of  Vermont,  and  appro- 
priating the  avails  thereof  for  the  support  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church  in  said  State,  in  compliance  with  the  request  con- 
tained in  your  resolution  of  the  24th  inst.,  cheerfully  give  to  the 
Convention  the  followintr  information  relating  to  said  lands  : 

By  the  Charters  of  most  of  the  Townships  in  this  State  issued  by 
the  Governor  of  New-Hampshire,  one  Right  in  each  Township  was 
granted  to  the  Incorporated  Society  established  at  London  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts.  Soon  after  the  issuing 
of  the  Charters,  and  before  the  Towns  vvere  generally  settled,  the 
Revolution  intervened,  by  which  the  Tei'ritory  became  indepen- 
dent of  Great  Britain.  Soon  after  the  Treaty  of  Peace,  to  wit, 
on  the  20th  of  May,  1785,  the  Society,  knowing  they  were  vested 
with  property  in  the  late  American  Colonies,  and  that  their  title 
thereto  was  secured  to  them  by  the  Treaty  of  1783,  passed  the 
following  resolution :  "  Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  do  write  to 
some  one  or  more  members  of  the  Church  of  England  in  each  of 
the  States  of  America,  in  which  the  Society  has  any  property,  to 
take  proper  care  in  securing  said  property,  and  further  inform  such 
persons,  that  it  is  the  intention  of  the  Society  to  make  over  all 
such  property  to  the  use  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  that  Country, 
in  whatever  manner  or  form,  after  communication  with  the  several 
Governments,  shall  appear  most  effectual  for  that  purpose."  A 
copy  of  the  foregoing  resolution  having  been  transmitted  to  the 
principal  Episcopalians,  in  the  United  States,  measures  were  im- 
mediately taken  by  the  Church  in  New-Hampshire,  to  procure  the 


214  JOTJRKAL-1823. 

lands  belonging  to  the  Society  in  that  State,  consisting  of  a  Right 
in  most  of  the  towns,  granted  in  the  same  form  as  were  the  Town- 
ships in  this  State.  And  they  soon  after  procured  from  the  Soci- 
ety, a  conveyance  to  Messrs.  Adams  and  Sheaf,  or  rather  procured  a 
Power  of  Attorney  to  them,  authorizing  them  to  recover  possession 
of  the  Lands  in  the  name  of  the  Society,  and  to  appropriate  the 
Rent'4  and  Profits  to  the  support  of  the  Church  in  that  State.  Suits 
were  afterwards  commenced  by  said  Agents,  to  recover  possession 
of  the  Lands  in  the  State  Courts,  and  in  the  Court  of  the  United 
States,  and  recoveries  had  in  both.  It  does  not  appear  by  the 
Journals  of  the  Convention  in  this  State,  that  any  thing  was  done 
by  the  Church,  towards  procuring  the  Lands  from  the  Society  un- 
til the  Month  of  September,  1794,  when  the  Convention  appoint- 
ed a  Committee  to  make  application  to  the  Society  for  the  Lands, 
consisting  of  the  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,  the  Rev.  Daniel  Bar- 
ber, the  Hev.  J.  C.  Ogden,  Messrs.  Eleazer  Baldwin,  Truman 
Squier,  Matthew  Lyon  and  Ebenezer  Marvin.  It  appears  that 
this  Committee  made  application  for  the  Lands  to  the  Society 
through  their  Agent,  Col.  John  A.  Graham,  but  were 'unsuccessful. 
It  does  not  appear  that  any  further  step  was  taken  by  the 
Church,  to  obtain  said  Lands,  until  the  meeting  of  the  Convention 
at  Arlington,  in  the  year  1805,  when  the  Convention  directed 
their  Standing  Committee  to  take  further  steps  to  obtain  the 
Society  Lands  in  Vermont ;  and  appointed  on  said  Committee 
the  Rev.  Bethuel  Chittenden,  the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Daniel 
Chipman,  Truman  Squier,  Martin  Roberts  and  Anson  J.  Sperry, 
Esqrs.  This  Committee  also  made  application  to  the  Society  for 
their  Lands  in  this  State,  but  failed  in  their  application  as  appears 
by  a  letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Society  to  Bishop  Moore, 
through  whom  the  apijlication  was  made,  bearing  date  Nov.  30, 
1808.  The  reason  why  this  application  was  unsuccessful,  is 
perfectly  obvious  from  the  following  extract  from  said  letter : 
"There  have  been  indeed  a  variety  of  applications  from  the 
State  of  Vermont,  so  different  in  their  object  and  design,  that 
the  Society  could  not  comply  with  any  of  them,  desirous 
as  they  are  to  extend  the  cause  of  religion  to  the  utmost  of 
their  power."  No  further  steps  were  taken  to  obtain  the  Lands, 
until  the  year  1811,  when  the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  and  Anson 


JOURJfAL-1823.  215 

J.  Sperry,  Esq.  delegates  from  this  State,  to  the  General  Cuuveu- 
tion  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the  United  States, 
holden  at  New-Haven,  in  Connecticut,  in  the  month  of  May,  ob- 
tained a  resolution  of  the  Convention,  directing  Bishop  White, 
the  Presiding  Bishop  of  the  House  of  Bishops,  to  write  to  the 
Society  in  London,  in  behalf  of  the  Convention,  and  inform  them, 
that  the  Church  in  Vermont  was  regularly  organized  and  under 
the  care  of  the  Bishop  of  the  Eastern  Diocese,  and  that  a  Board  of 
Trustees  of  Donations  to  the  Church  had  been  incorporated  in 
Massachusetts,  and  that  it  was  the  opinion  of  the  Convention  that 
their  Lands  in  Vermont  might  be  safely  conveyed  to  such  Agents 
and  Attorneys  as  might  be  recommended  by  said  Board  of 
Trustees,  and  approved  by  the  Convention  of  Vermont.  In  pursu- 
ance of  the  above  resolution,  such  a  letter  was  written  by  Bishop 
White,  and  on  the  recommendation  of  the  leading  Church  people 
in  Vermont,  the  said  Trustees  in  Boston  on  the  5th  day  of  June 
18L5,  recommended  the  present  Agents,  and  this  recommend- 
ation was  approved  of  by  the  Convention  of  this  State  holden  at 
Arlington  on  the  28th  of  the  same  June.  The  Agents  thus  appoint- 
ed, by  order  of  the  Convention,  immediately  transmitted  all  the 
papers  and  documents  relating  to  the  application  to  the  Society 
for  the  Lands,  to  the  Hon.  and  Rev.  Charles  Stewart,  who  then 
resided  in  the  Province  of  Canada,  and  was  about  to  visit  London. 
This  extraordinary  man  was  one  of  the  Scottish  Nobility,  who  had 
taken  orders  in  the  Church,  and  whose  piety  and  zeal  in  promoting 
her  interests,  had  prompted  him  to  cross  the  ocean,  and  to  place 
himself  in  that  part  of  the  Province  of  Lower  Canada  which  bor- 
ders on  this  State,  and  there  spend  his  time  and  his  income  in 
forming  Churches,  and  in  visiting  families  in  that  new  settled 
country  and  giving  them  moral  and  religious  instruction.  The 
influence  of  such  a  man,  the  Agents  were  sure,  would  remove  that 
jealousy  and  suspicion,  which  the  Society  had  imbibed,  in  relation 
to  the  Church  in  Vermont.  In  this  they  were  not  disappointed. 
A  power  of  Attorney  was  executed  by  the  Society  bearing  date 
the  5th  day  of  December,  1816,  authorizing  the  Agents  and  At- 
torneys, "to  sue  for  and  recover  possession  of  said  Lands,  and  for 
and  in  the  name  of  said  Society  to  lease  them  or  any  part  of  them 
to  such  person  or  persons,  and  for  such  term  or  number  of  years 


216  JOURJ^AL-1823. 

and  at  and  under  such  yearly  and  other  rent,  as  they,  or  a  majority 
of  them  should  think  fit  and  proper,  and  also  to  sue  for,  recover 
and  receive  all  rents,  incomes  and  profits  which  then  were  or 
should  become  due  and  owing  to  said  Society." 

The  power  given  to  the  Agents  to  appropriate  the  rents  and 
profits  is  as  follows,  to  wit :  There  shall  be  appropriated  such 
parts  and  shares  of  such  incomes  and  profits  as  the  Agents  and 
Attorneys  shall  judge  just  and  proper  to  the  use  and  benefit  of 
such  person  as  may  be  elected  and  canonically  consecrated  to  the 
office  of  Bishop  over  the  State  of  Vermont,  and  to  the  use  and 
benefit  of  his  successor  in  the  oflSce  of  Bishop  in  said  State,  and 
the  remaining  incomes  and  profits  of  said  Lands  to  be  appropriated 
to  the  use  and  support  of  a  Clergyman  and  his  successors  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  each  of  said  Townships,  when  a 
Church  shall  be  formed  therein,  and  the  worship  of  God  performed 
according  to  the  Liturgy  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  United  States  of  America.  And  in  such  towns  where  no 
Church  shall  be  established  as  aforesaid,  the  remaining  income, 
rents  and  profits  to  the  support  of  Clergymen,  building  of  Churches, 
defraying  the  expense  of  suits  for  the  recovery  of  said  Lands,  and 
the  incomes  and  profits  thereof,  and  for  such  other  uses  and  pur- 
poses as  the  said  Agents  and  Attorneys  shall  judge  will  best  con- 
duce to  the  welfare  of  the  Chuixh  in  said  State  of  Vermont,  and 
to  do  all  other  acts  and  things  concerning  the  premises,  as  fully,  in 
every  respect,  as  the  said  Society  can  or  could  do.  And  one  or 
more  Attorneys  under  them  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  to  make, 
and  again  at  their  pleasure  revoke." 

After  the  receipt  of  the  foregoing  power  of  Attorney,  the  Agents 
waited  until  well  advised  respecting  the  title  of  the  Society,  be- 
fore they  commenced  any  suit  for  the  recovery  of  the  Lands. 
When  satisfied  that  the  fee  of  the  Land  was  in  the  Society,  and 
that  they  must  recover  possession  of  them  in  a  Court  of  Law,  the 
Agents  caused  an  Action  of  Ejectment  to  be  commenced  before 
the  Circuit  Court  of  the  United  States,  against  the  town  of  New- 
Haven,  and  William  Wheeler,  their  tenant,  on  a  lot  laid  to  the 
Society  Right  in  that  Town.  The  object  of  the  Agents  in  com- 
mencing the  suit  against  the  Town  of  New-Haven,  in  preference 
to  any  other  Town,  was,  that  they  were  sure  the  suit  would  be 


JO  TJRJ^AL-l  823.  217 

defended  to  the  utmost,  and  carried  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
United  States  for  a  final  decision,  that  all  further  litigation  might 
be  prevented.  In  this  they  were  not  disappointed.  The  Town 
of  New-Haven  employed  counsel  to  defend  the  suit,  and  while 
pending  in  the  Circuit  Court,  made  application  to  the  Legislature, 
who  appointed  an  Agent  to  defend  the  suit  and  made  a  libei'al 
appropriation  of  money  to  defray  the  expense.  The  counsel  for  the 
Society  and  the  counsel  employed  by  the  State  on  the  part  of  the 
defendants,  united  in  taking  such  a  course  with  the  suit,  that  a 
final  decision  might  be  had  therein  by  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
United  States,  which  should  satisfy  all  parties  in  relation  to  the  ti- 
tle of  the  Society  to  these  Lands,  and  thus  prevent  further  litigation. 
With  this  view  it  was  agreed  that  a  special  verdict  should  be  drawn 
up  embracing  all  the  material  facts ;  and  it  was  further  agreed, 
that,  if,  on  the  argument  of  the  case,  before  the  Supreme  Court,  it 
should  appear  that  any  material  facts  on  either  side  had  been 
omitted,  they  should  be  added  to  the  special  verdict.  Mr.  Hop- 
kinson  of  Philadelphia,  argued  the  cause  for  the  Society,  and  Mr. 
Webster  of  Boston,  for  the  defendants,  and  both  were  satisfied  that 
the  special  verdict  embraced  all  the  material  facts  in  the  case. 
The  cause  was  argued  in  the  winter  of  1822,  and  taken  under  con- 
sideration by  the  Court  until  the  last  term  of  the  Supreme  Court, 
when  judgment  was  rendered  for  the  plaintiffs  by  six  Judges,  one 
Judge  dissenting. 

The  Agents  are  therefore  confident  that  all  further  litigation 
would  be  useless,  and  that  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  resort  to  any 
further  actions  of  Ejectment. 

On  the  30th  of  April  last,  the  Agents  met  at  Middlebury,  to 
take  measures  for  leasing  the  lands,  and  although  satisfied  that  they 
could  recover  all  the  prior  rents  which  had  been  paid  to  the  towns, 
yet  under  all  the  circumstances  it  was  unanimously  agreed  to  lease 
them  to  the  present  tenants,  without  requiring  the  payment  of  the 
rents  which  had  become  payable  before  the  decision  of  the  Supreme 
Court  was  made  known.  That  the  buildings  and  betterments  made 
on  the  lands  by  the  tenant,  should  be  considered  as  his,  and  the 
land  leased  to  him  at  a  rent  proportioned  to  the  value  of  the  land, 
without  reference  to  the  buildings  aud  betterments  made  by  him; 
but  this  on  condition  that  the  tenant  surrender  his  lease  from  the 
Town,  so  as  to  cut  off  all  claim  of  his  against  the  town. 


218  JOUBJfAL-1823. 

Agents  were  also  appointed  in  the  different  counties  authorized 
to  execute  leases  in  the  name  of  the  Society,  and  it  is  confidently 
believed  that  leases  will  be  taken  of  the  lands,  and  no  further  sura 
expended  in  hopeless  litigation. 

In  relation  to  the  probable  income  of  the  lands,  the  Agents  can 
not  at  present  give  any  satisfactory  information.  We  believe  that 
the  annual  income  will  amount  to  Four  Thousand,  and  that  it  will 
not  exceed  Five  Thousand,  Dollars. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON, 
DANIEL  CHIPMAN, 
ANSON  J.  SPERRY. 
Middlebury,  June  26,  1823. 

Note.  It  is  necessary  to  remark  that  the  only  remaining  Agent, 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  was  unable  to  attend  the  State 
Convention,  and  that  his  signature  is  therefore  necessarily  wanting. 

REMARKS  OF  THE  COMMITTEE. 

The  resolution  of  the  Convention,  in  which  the  Agents  of  the 
Society's  Lands  were  called  upon  to  furnish  such  statements,  with 
regard  to  their  proceedings,  and  the  history  and  present  state  of 
those  Lands,  as  they  should  deem  proper  to  appear  upon  the 
Journals,  of  the  Convention,  did  also  constitute  a  Committee  "  to 
make  such  remarks  on  the  same  as  may  be  useful  to  the  members 
of  the  Church  in  this  State."  In  conformity  with  that  resolution, 
your  Committee  respectfully  submit  the  following  remarks  : 

In  addition  to  the  facts  contained  in  the  body  of  this  report  in 
relation  to  the  first  grant,  and  succeeding  history  of  these  lands  as 
drawn  from  papers  in  possession  of  the  Agents,  there  exists  a  variety 
of  others,  which  will  sufficiently  explain  why  such  grants,  and  to 
so  large  an  extent  were  made.  Gov.  Wentworth,  under  whose 
administration  they  took  place,  was  himself  an  Episcopalian.  But 
at  that  period  the  number  who  thought  like  him  was  very  small. 
They  were  emphatically  a  minor  sect.  Congregationalists  made 
up  a  vast  majority  of  the  Colonists.  Indeed  that  denomination 
was  by  the  Colonial  Government  considered  and  treated  as  the 
established  religion.  In  pursuing  the  reigning  policy  of  the  age 
to  promote  the  settlement  of  the  new  plantations,  the  government 
foresaw  that  they  would  be  chiefly  settled  by  the  prevailing  de- 


JOURJfAL-1823.  219 

nomination.  Whatever  enconragement,  therefore,  was  necessary 
in  those  periods  for  the  introduction  and  support  of  religion,  was 
less  necessary  for  the  reigning  sect,  than  for  minor  ones.  Their 
numbers  constituted  an  obvious  and  sufficient  resource.  But  it 
was  presumed  that  Episcopalians  would  not  be  easily  induced  to 
remove  far  back  into  the  remote  settlements,  without  some  reason- 
able hope  and  strong  encouragement  that  they  would  be  able  to 
maintain  the  ministry  and  services  to  which  they  were  so  strongly 
attached.  What  expectations  were  wanting  from  their  numbers, 
needed  to  be  supplied  in  some  other  way.  Accordingly,  whilst 
only  one  right  of  land  was  given  to  the  first  settled  minister,  who, 
it  was  foreseen,  would  commonly  be  a  Congregationlist,  two  rights 
were  granted  to  Episcopalians,  one,  for  a  Glebe,  and  the  other  for 
the  benefit  of  the  Society  for  propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign 
Parts. 

The  first  right,  in  most  cases,  fell  into  the  possession  of  the 
ruling  denomination ;  and  as  it  became,  in  fee,  the  property  of  the 
first  settled  minister,  appears  to  have  answered  the  very  purpose 
which  the  grantors  expected  and  designed. 

And  under  the  expectation  that  the  other  rights  would  finally 
enable  them  to  support  thier  own  ministers  and  services,  several 
Episcopalians  were  induced  to  remove  into  the  new  Townships.  But 
owing  to  a  variety  of  causes,  their  hopes  have  been  deferred,  baf- 
fled and  nearly  destroyed.  .  And  the  posterity  of  those  persons 
who  were  induced  to  move  into  a  region  so  remote  from  the  field 
of  Episcopal  Ministrations  are  reduced  to  depend  for  the  supply  of 
them,  upon  their  own  exertions,  and  the  small  remnant  of  proper- 
ty which  had  at  length  been  recovered.  And  it  is  presumed  that 
no  objections  will  be  urged  against  their  receiving  possession  of 
this  propertj^,  since  every  other  public  right  has  been  secured  to  its 
designated  use  and  employment. 

But  if  any  such  objections  should  be  raised,  it  is  difficult  to  see 
what  they  can  eftect.  From  the  Report  of  the  Agents  it  will  be 
seen,  that  every  arrangement  was  made  to  have  the  decision 
which  has  been  given,  a  final  one.  The  cause  was  carried  to  the 
highest  tribunal,  was  advocated  by  the  most  able  counsel,  and 
decided,  after  a  full  investigation,  by  a  court,  the  very  constitution 
of  which,  places  its  Judges  far  above  all  personal  or  State  influ- 


220  JOURJrAL-1823. 

ence.  And  in  tliis  case  it  is  in  vain  to  look  for  any  sectarian 
prejudices,  for  not  only  the  same  Court,  but  the  same  Judges 
decided  the  Glebe  case  against  the  Church,  by  which  she  is  for- 
ever deprived  of  the  use  of  those  lands,  which  have  now  given 
judgment  in  favour  of  the  Society  for  propagating  the  Gospel. 

It  is  presumed  that  no  persons  would  be  disposed  to  urge  objec- 
tions against  the  recovery  of  the  Propagation  Lots,  if  they  could 
be  made  to  believe  that  the  benefits  which  will  be  derived  from 
them  in  future,  will  be  far  greater  than  any  which  have  been 
hitherto  realized. 

It  is  confidently  expected  that  this  position  will  appear  clearly 
and  abundantly  supported  by  a  comparison  of  the  nature  and 
extent  of  the  former  and  future  good  effects  resulting  from  the 
application  of  the  avails  of  these  lands. 

No  attempt  will  be  made  to  undervalue  or  depreciate  the  bene- 
fits of  education.  Here  the  language  of  the  most  extravagant 
eulogy  is  scarcely  the  language  of  truth.  The  invaluable  effects 
of  a  good  education,  and  of  the  widest  possible  diffusion  of  it,  are 
far  beyond  all  human  calculation.  They  are  not  to  be  made  mat- 
ter of  cool  mathematical  calculation.  They  cannot  be  taken  hold 
of,  and  counted  and  weighed.  At  the  same  time  they  are  known 
by  effects  too  mighty  to  be  overlooked,  and  are  felt  with  an 
energy  and  a  blessedness  which  cannot  be  mistaken.  Parents 
cannot  see  how  education  blesses  their  offspring,  but  they  can  feel, 
that  under  its  influence,  they  are  growing  up  to  make  glad  their 
/  hearts.  Children  cannot  feel  the  hand  which  is  moulding  their 
characters  and  their  hearts,  but  they  find  themselves  growing  up 
bold  in  thought,  proud  in  feeling,  aspiring  in  hope,  and  vigorous 
in  enterprise.  The  secret  influence  of  general  and  good  education 
is  noiseless  and  unnoticed  in  its  progress,  but  its  results  are  too 
mighty  and  too  glorious  to  pass  unregarded.  The  community  is 
blessed  by  it,  through  all  its  limits.  And  our  homes  are  made 
the  pure,  contented  and  happy  abodes  which  we  find  them,  in  a 
great  measure,  by  means  of  the  education  which  has  exalted  their 
inmates. 

But  are  these  blessings  to  be  compared  with  those  which  flow 
from  the  diffusion  of  Christian  knowledge  and  piety  ?  Separate 
the  ingredients  of  a  nation's  knowledge,  from  the  ingredients  of 


JOURJVAL-1823.  221 

a  nation's  morality,  and  what  is  their  real  estimation  ?  They  will 
prove  the  materials  of  ruin  and  desolation.  Clear  heads  are 
dangerous  pioneers  to  bad  hearts.  Religion  alone  can  sanctify 
knowledge,  and  make  her  the  handmaid  of  happiness.  Politicians 
are  mistaken  when  they  refer  our  civil  and  social  advantages 
chiefly  to  the  diffusion  of  knowledge.  It  is  much  more  fairly 
ascribed  to  the  influence  of  religion.  It  is  this  which  has  pre- 
vented the  curses  which  are  inseparable  from  a  state  of  intellect- 
ual culture,  if  moral  culture  does  not  keep  pace  with  it.  Intelli- 
gence elevates  the  character,  but  religion  preserves  it  when  thus 
elevated,  pure  and  refined,  and  pre-eminently  happy. 

Other  securities  were  provided  for  the  diffusion  of  the  less  val- 
uable of  these  blessings.  The  lands  in  question  were  consecrated 
to  the  higher  and  better  purpose.  For  many  years  they  have 
been  diverted  from  their  designated  and  proper  channel,  and  it  is 
highly  satisfactory  to  the  friends  of  the  Church,  that  although 
they  have  not  been  suffered  "  to  make  glad  the  city  of  our  God," 
they  have  been  watering  a  fair  garden,  and  maturing  valuable 
fruits.  And  on  the  other  hand  they  cannot  be  brought  to  believe 
that  good  men  will  resist,  the  application  of  these  lancfs  to  the 
high  uses  of  Christianity  upon  the  pretence  that  it  will  be  rob- 
bing the  State  of  a  great  benefit.  Surely  the  good  sense  and  the 
happy  experience  of  the  people  of  Vermont  will  not  suffer  their 
schools  to  languish  because  lands  to  which  they  had  no  legal  right 
are  withdrawn  from  them.  They  cannot  be  so  ungrateful  and 
unreasonable  as  to  charge  upon  Episcopalians  the  faiilt  of  any 
injury  which  Schools  may  suffer  from  giving  up  an  income  to 
which  their  claim  was  unrighteous  and  illegal  ? 

We  are  bound,  therefore,  to  believe  that  new  efforts  will  be 
made  in  behalf  of  Schools,  and  in  addition  to  the  blessings  which 
the  State  will  derive  from  their  increased  prosperity,  it  will  find 
its  moral  and  religious  character  very  much  elevated  and  improved 
by  the  labours  of  those  Clergymen,  whom  these  funds  will  sup- 
port. The  sum  of  good  will  thus  be  greatly  increased ;  and  the 
commimity  will  receive  imexpected  benefits  from  a  decision  which 
some  affect  to  believe  will  be  a  great  disadvantage  to  it. 

The  grantors  of  the  public  rights  appear  to  have  been  impressed 
with  a  very  correct  sense  of  the  general  advantages  of  both  these 


222  J0UR:N'AL-1823. 

methods  of  diffusing  knowledge,  and  to  have  given  no  very  equiv- 
ocal expression  of  their  estimate  of  the  vahie  of  the  one  method 
above  the  other,  when  they  assigned  one  right  to  schools,  and 
three  to  the  support  of  religion.  In  the  course  of  events,  two  of 
these  have  been  secured  for  the  benefit  of  schools,  and  one  for  the 
use  of  a  minister.  Now  if  it  were  a  question  with  the  community 
at  large  how  the  remaining  right  should  be  disposed  of,  we  can- 
not conceive  that  it  would  completely  reverse  the  decision  of  those 
excellent  men,  by  giving  three  rights  to  the  less  valuable  object, 
and  one  only  to  religion ;  more  especially  as  the  doing  of  this 
would  divest  one  denomination  of  Christians  of  two  portions  of 
land  intended  for  them.  It  would  surely  seem  to  your  Committee 
that  all  may  rest  contented  in  the  present  equal  division  of  these 
rights,  between  these  invaluable  objects. 

These  hopes  may  be  rendered  less  sanguine,  by  the  objection 
that  the  prejudices  and  partialities  of  the  people  are  such  that 
they  will  not  attend  the  ministrations  of  the  Episcopal  Clergy. 
Still  there  are  some  few  individuals  scattered  in  almost  every 
town,  who  decidedly  prefer  that  mode  of  discipline  and  worship. 
And  in  a  region  which  boasts  of  perfect  toleration,  it  ought  cer- 
tainly to  give  general  satisfaction  and  pleasure,  that  any  part  of 
our  population  will  at  length  have  it  in  their  power  to  worship 
God,  according  to  the  dictates  of  their  own  consciences.  But 
your  Committee  are  unwilling  to  believe  that  the  alleged  preju- 
dices are  so  strong.  They  would  deem  it  highly  uncharitable, 
and  would  be  exceedingly  sorry  to  believe,  that  a  Church  whose 
doctrines  are  so  Scriptural  and  pure,  whose  government  is  so 
excellent  and  ancient,  whose  services  are  so  devotional  and  sub- 
lime, can  be  the  object  of  such  extreme  dislike  that  people  will 
not  attend  upon  its  ministry  !  They  are  persuaded,  that  the  more 
the  services  of  the  Church  are  known,  the  better  her  doctrines  are 
understood,  and  the  oftener  her  ministry  is  attended,  the  less  will 
prejudice  have  to  say  against  it.  ,They  cannot  help  thinking  and 
maintaining  that  the  Episcopal  Church  in  this  country  and  in 
England,  possesses,  on  the  ground  of  learning  and  piety  of  their 
Clergy,  and  the  abundance  of  their  zeal  and  good  works,  in  the 
Bible  and  Missionary  cause,  a  claim  upon  the  good  feelings  of 
Christian  people,  which  will  forbid  them  to  avoid  or  oppose  the 
Clergymen  who  may  minister  iu  Vermont. 


J0UR:N'AL-1823.  223 

But  it  may  still  be  insisted  that  such  are  the  existing  partialities 
and  prejudices  in  the  State,  that  the  Episcopal  Clergy  will  not 
find  congregations.  If  we  are  compelled  to  believe  it,  who  are  in 
fault  ?  If  the  people  will  not  allow  themselves  to  be  relieved 
from  a  part  of  the  expense  of  supporting  Clergymen — if  they 
refuse  to  hear  those  who  are  sent  among  them  by  means  of  the 
avails  of  the  Church  lands,  are  Episcopalians  to  blame  ?  Is  the 
opprobrium  to  be  cast  upon  them  of  depriving  the  State  of  great 
and  extensive  benefits  ?  Most  assuredly  if  the  people  of  the  State 
do  not  derive  the  greatest  benefit  from  the  expected  application 
of  the  property,  which  has  hitherto  gone  to  the  support  of  Schools, 
it  will  be  owing  to  a  cause  which  Episcopalians,  more  than  any 
other  persons  will  have  reason  to  deplore. 

It  is  very  natural  to  presume,  that  amongst  the  variety  of 
remarks  which  the  recovery  of  the  "  Propagation  Lots"  will  call 
forth,  the  motives  and  designs  of  Episcopalians  will  be  subjected 
to  animadversion  and  censure.  It  becomes  their  duty,  therefore, 
if  they  are  able,  to  vindicate  their  motives  and  intentions.  And 
nothing  can  be  easier  than  to  set  them  above  the  reach  of  reason- 
able suspicion  or  reproach. 

It  surely  can  scarcely  be  objected  against  a  man  that  he  has 
been  endeavoring  to  secure  what  he  really  believed  was  his  honest 
right !  Episcopalians  have  all  along  been  persuaded  that  their 
claim  to  the  use  of  these  lands  was  unquestionable.  The  most 
eminent  jurists  advised  them  to  prosecute  those  claims,  confidently 
predicting  ultimate  success.  And  the  Society  in  England  gladly 
relinquished  to  them  their  title,  and  delegated  to  them  their 
powers.  Is  it  surprising  then,  or  blame-worthy,  that  they  have 
made  an  attempt  at  securing  such  a  valuable  extent  of  property  ? 
Would  they  have  been  doing  their  duty  either  to  themselves  or 
posterity,  if  they  had  suffered  these  rights  to  have  fallen  into 
neglect  and  forgetfuhiess  ?  And  especially  when  the  condition 
and  relative  circumstances  of  Episcopalians  are  regarded — when 
it  is  recollected  that  they  are  a  scattered  and  opposed  people — 
that  they  can  seldom  collect  numbers  sufficient  to  support  a  min- 
ister— that  they  are  warmly  attached  to  very  peculiar  rites  and 
observances,  which  none  but  their  own  Clergy  can  administer, — 
can  it  excite  surprise,  o^  incur  blame,  that  they  have  exerted 


224  JO  URJfAL-1 823. 

themselves  to  secure  a  provision  for  their  Ministers,  which  will  in 
some  degree  obviate  the  difficulties  resulting  from  their  small 
numbers,  and  scattered  situation  ?  In  such  a  case,  is  there  a  man 
living,  or  a  society  existing,  that  would  not  have  been  as  active 
and  energetic  as  the  Episcopalians  are  stated  to  have  been  ? 

Again,  certain  views  have  been  presented  of  the  benefits  which 
not  only  Episcopalians,  but  the  community  at  large,  it  is  hoped, 
will  derive  from  the  recovery  of  these  lands.  Now  Episcopalians 
are  fully  persuaded  of  the  correctness  of  these  views.  And  there 
can  be  no  doubt  but  their  conceptions  of  the  extent  of  these  ben- 
efits are  quite  as  glowing  as  they  should  be.  It  may  safely  be 
granted  that  they  are  highly  exaggerated  and  extravagant — that 
imagination  has  outstripped  the  pace  of  sober  calculation — and 
that  the  good  which  will  actually  be  secured  will  not  be,  by  any 
means,  commensurate  with  their  sanguine  expectations. 

But  however  false  and  visionary  these  views  may  prove  to 
be,  they  certainly  form  a  perfect  exculpation  for  Episcopalians. 
Benevolence,  consistency,  and  religion  alike  call  upon  them  to 
exert  themselves  very  actively  in  securing  benefits  which  they 
believe  to  be  exceedingly  great.  But  their  views  cannot  certainly 
be  considered  altogether  visionary.  And  far  from  being  blamed 
for  labouring  to  send  abroad  the  services  and  ministrations  of  a 
Church,  which  they  honour  and  love,  and  regard  as  a  peculiar 
safeguard  to  the  most  precious  doctrines  of  the  Protestant  faith, 
they  should  be  highly  commended  for  it. 

But  this  point  is  capable  of  bting  placed  in  a  light  still  more 
convincing.  From  the  report  of  the  Agents,  it  will  be  particu- 
larly observed,  that  the  first  movement  towards  securing  the 
Society  Lands  in  the  United  States  to  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  did  not  originate  with  the  members  or  friends  of  the 
Church,  but  with  the  officers  of  the  Society.  The  Secretary  was 
ordered  to  correspond  with  Episcopalians  in  this  country,  and  to 
offer  them  for  the  support  of  their  Clergy,  the  possession  and  use 
of  all  the  property  which  was  vested  in  that  Society  before  the 
Revolution.  It  appears  that  they  were  ignorant  of  the  extent  of 
property  which  had  been  vested  in  them,  but  felt  confident  that 
they  should  still  hold  it,  whatever  might  prove  its  amount,  under 
the  treaty  of  1783.     This  important  fact  will  serve  several  valua- 


JOURMAL-1823.  225 

ble  purposes.  It  will  shew  that  the  right  of  the  Society  to  the 
lands  which  have  recently  been  recovered,  appeared  very  obvious 
to  its  officers  long  before  it  had  excited  any  controversy.  And  it 
will  exculpate  the  Church  from  any  blame  which  might  be  sup- 
posed to  attach  to  her,  for  prosecuting  the  claim  which  was  so 
freely  and  generously  resigned  to  her.  What  else  could  her 
friends  have  done  ?  If  they  had  refused  the  generous  offer,  it 
would  most  probably  have  been  of  no  benefit  to  the  State ;  for  the 
Society  would  have  prosecuted  its  claims  in  some  other  way,  and 
the  lands  lost  to  the  Church  would  not  have  been  gained  by  the 
community.  But  they  were  not  so  unwise  and  ungrateful  as  to 
disregard  the  noble  propositions  of  the  Society.  They  thankfully 
received  the  gift,  and  set  themselves  diligently  at  work  to  derive 
the  utmost  benefit  from  it.  And  to  expect  that  they  would  have 
done  otherwise,  or  to  impugn  their  motives  for  doing  so,  is  very 
unwarrantable,  and  surprising. 

Your  Committee  cannot  fail  to  regard  the  principles  adopted 
by  the  Agents  in  relation  to  leasing  the  lands,  and  which  they 
have  announced  in  their  report,  as  highly  accommodating  and 
liberal,  calculated  to  leave  a  very  favourable  impression  upon  the 
minds  of  the  people,  and  to  quiet  any  needless  fears  by  which  the 
Tenants  or  Selectmen  may  have  been  excited.  And  they  gladly 
embrace  this  opportunity  of  expressing  their  unanimous  and  very 
cordial  approbation  of  the  zeal  and  fidelity  of  the  Agents  in  the 
whole  management  of  this  important  business.  And  if  their 
motives  or  proceedings  are  called  in  question,  or  aspersed  by 
others,  it  is  hoped  that  it  will  perfectly  satisfy  them  to  be  assured 
that  Episcopalians  not  only  confide  most  perfectly  in  their  integ- 
rity, but  feel  greatly  indebted  to  their  judicious,  active,  and 
disinterested  exertions. 

And  your  Committee,  cannot  close  their  remarks  without  ad- 
ding a  few  words  of  caution.  It  is  very  much  to  be  feared  that 
the  hopes  which  are  raised  by  the  recovery  of  these  lands  will  be 
far  too  high  ;  and  that  much  more  will  be  expected  from  the  Agents 
than  they  can  possibly  perform.  Their  avails  will  not  prove, 
by  any  means,  as  great  as  has  been  supposed  and  represented. 
The  Parishes  must  not  expect  to  be  relieved  altogether  from  tax- 
ation for  the  support  of  the  Ministry.     And  they  should  be  cau- 


226  JOVRKAL-18^3. 

tious  not  to  rednce  it  too  far  ;  for  more  injury  is  done  by  raising 
taxes  ever  so  little,  than  good,  by  sinking  them  too  low,  or  remit- 
ting them  altogether.  It  will  be  expected  therefore,  that  the 
Parishes  will  continue  to  contribute  to  support  their  Ministers 
about  in  the  proportion  of  theirneighbours.  And  every  assistance 
which  can  hereafter  be  afforded,  the  Agents  will  readily  grant. 

It  is  feared  that  expectations  have  been  raised  that  the  Agents 
will  apply  monies  to  the  erection  of  Churches.  But  a  moment's 
reflection  will  be  sufficient  to  convince  the  friends  of  the  Church 
that  no  appropriations  can  be  more  exhausting  and  ruinous.  If 
new  Churches  are  built,  parishes  who  have  recently  erected  them, 
may  fairly  expect  remuneration.  If  they  are  built  in  one  town 
where  there  are  lands,  the  inhabitants  of  other  towns,  whether 
Episcopalians  or  not,  will  raise  a  clamour  for  the  same  privilege. 
And  thus  a  fund  of  ten  times  the  extent  of  that  entrusted  to  these 
Agents,  would  soon  be  exhausted. 

Each  Town  which  settles  a  Minister,  will  have  an  unalienable 
right,  after  deducting  expenses,  to  the  rents  of  the  lands  in  that 
Town  for  his  use.  If  the  inhubitants  of  such  Town  will  erect 
a  building  for  themselves,  and  settle  a  Minister,  they  will  doubt- 
less receive  assistance,  in  proportion  with  the  older  parishes,  and 
whilst  they  are  building,  perhaps  in  larger  proportion. 

Whilst,  then,  the  members  of  our  Communion  are  admonished 
not  to  suffer  themselves  to  be  deceived  by  any  extravagant  and 
unfounded  expectations,  they  are  called  upon  to  exert  themselves, 
with  new  and  increased  ardour  in  promoting  the  prosperity  of  the 
Church  of  their  Fathers.  Can  we  receive  into  our  hands  so  rich 
a  token  of  the  zeal  and  disinterested  piety  of  the  grantors  of  these 
lands,  and  not  feel  excited  to  imitate  them  in  their  work  of  faith 
and  labour  of  love  ?  Shall  we  receive  at  the  hands  of  a  merciful 
God  so  great  and  such  timely  assistance,  and  not  feel  constrained 
to  show  our  gratitude,  by  new  and  unwonted  exertions  in  the 
cause  of  His  Church  ? 

Every  noble  sentiment,  every  grateful  emotion  forbids  that  we 
should  do  otherwise !  And  your  Committee,  therefore,  would 
unite  with  you  in  earnest  and  continual  prayers,  to  Almighty  God, 
that  He  may  bless  and  prosper  us,  that  He  may  enable  us  to  im- 
prove the   means  put  in  our  hands  for  the  advancement  of  His 


JOURJ^AL-1823.  227 

Church,   and  that  He  may  dispose  the  hearts  of  all  men  to  assist 
and  rejoice  in  her  prosperity,  till  our  Zion  shall  become  the  joy 

and  the  praise  of  the  whole  earth. 

B.  B.  SMITH, 
D.  WOOSTER, 
G.  CLEVELAND. 

The  following  passages  from  the  Address  of  Bishop  Griswold 
to  the  eighth  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese,  at  Windsor,  in 
Vermont,  September  25,  1823,  properly  form  a  part  of  the  Journal 
for  this  year : 

"  Once  more,  Christian  Friends,  does  the  Lord's  goodness,  in 
permitting  the  Convention  of  this  Diocese  to  assemble,  under 
circumstances  of  continued  prosperity,  and  increasing  hopes,  de- 
mand the  renewal  of  our  gratitude  and  praise.  The  Lord's  work 
in  our  hands,  in  a  general  view,  is  yet  advancing ;  and  the  portion 
of  His  Vineyard,  committed  to  our  oversight  and  care,  still  enjoys 
the  smiles  of  His  kind  protecting  providence.  The  general  state 
of  the  Churches,  however,  differs  so  little  from  what  it  was  last 
year,  that,  in  discharging  this  duty  which  our  Canons  assign  me, 
it  is  not'  necessary  to  be  so  particular  as  on  some  former  occasions. 
The  changes,  whether  calamitous,  or  favourable,  which  have  occur- 
red, and  those  of  my  official  transactions  more  generally  interest- 
ing, it  will  be  proper  to  notice. " 

"  During  the  last  year  the  number  confirmed  in  our  Churches 
has  been  unusually  small.  We  have  frequent  cause,  and  never 
more  than  on  the  present  occasion,  to  notice  and  lament  the  too 
general  neglect  among  our  people  to  avail  themselves  of  those 
comforting  testimonials  of  God's  mercy  and  salvation  so  graciously 
offered  in  the  ordinances  of  Christianity.  The  evil  originates,  no 
doubt,  in  a  want  of  regard  for  its  holy  doctrines ;  in  too  great 
indifferency  respecting  the  one  thing  needful.  At  the  present 
season,  there  is,  generally  speaking,  less  appearance  of  pious  zeal 
and  concern  for  the  spirituality  of  religion,  than  at  some  former 
seasons ;  but  the  Lord,  we  trust,  has  yet  among  us  a  faithful, 
praying  people.  " 

"A  few  only  have  been  ordained  to  the  sacred  ministry. 
Messrs.  Elijah  Brainard,  Lot  Jones,  John  West,  Theodore  Edson, 
and  William  T.  Potter  have  been  admitted  to  the  order  of  Dea- 


228  JOVBKAL-1823. 

cons;  and  the  Rev.  Alfred  L.  Baury  has  been  ordained  a  Presby- 
ter. To  the  list  of  Candidates  for  holy  orders  have  been  added 
the  names  of  Daniel  L.  B.  Goodwin,  Benjamin  0.  C.  Parker, 
Charles  Dresser,  Joseph  S.  Covell,  Ethan  Allen,  and  Henry  W. 
Ducachet." 

"In  November  last,  Trinity  Church,  in  Claremont,  and  St. 
Paul's,  in  which,  through  the  Lord's  goodness,  we  are  now  con- 
vened were  dedicated  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God.  The  day 
after  this  Church  was  consecrated,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Leonard  was 
instituted  into  the  Parish.  The  services  were  well  attended ;  and 
the  kind  hospitality  of  the  people  of  the  place  added  much  to  the 
satisfaction,  which  all  seemed  to  enjoy.  We  have  rarely,  if  ever, 
seen  more  laudable  efforts  of  pious  liberality  and  united  zeal,  than 
that  which  has  added  to  the  number  of  our  Churches  this  beauti- 
ful edifice." 

"The  present  situation  of  the  Church  in  Vermont  is  critical, 
but,  we  trust,  not  unhopeful.  The  much  lamented  death  of  our 
Rev.  Brother  Jordan  Gray,  was  a  calamitous  event.  His  talents 
seemed  peculiarly  fitted  for  building  up  the  Redeemer's  kingdom 
in  that  part  of  the  Diocese ;  and  in  no  part  could  his  labours  be 
more  needed.  Unerring  wisdom  has  seen  it  most  fitting  to 
remove  him  from  his  labours,  and  from  the  world.  The  Rev,  Mr. 
Beach  has  removed  from  his  parishes  in  Franklin  county,  into  the 
Diocese  of  Connecticut.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Brainard  has  officiated 
some  time  in  St.  Albans.  Three  Clergymen  are  much  wanted  in 
that  county,  and  parts  adjacent." 

"The  Parish  in  Berkshire  have  finished  their  Church,  and,  with 
Divine  permission,  it  will  soon  be  consecrated  to  the  hoJy  purpose 
for  which  it  is  erected.  The  parish  in  Bethel,  also,  much  to  their 
praise,  have  erected,  and  almost  finished,  a  house  for  the  same 
sacred  use.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Shaw  has  officiated  in  Guilford,  since 
November  last.  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  add,  that  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Smith  has  taken  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  Church  in  Middlebury  ; 
and  that  little  flock,  we  humbly  trust,  after  so  'long  struggling 
with  adverse  circumstances,  will  find,  from  happy  experience,  it  is 
good  to  wait  the  Lord's  time.  The  Rev.  Alexander  Jones  has 
left  the  Diocese." 


JO  URKA  L-1 823.  229 

"It  is  of  much  importance  that,  where  it  is  practicable,  we 
obtain  and  establish  parochial  and  missionary  funds,  and  provide 
other  means  of  giving  a  competent  maintenance  to  those  who 
labour  in  the  Ministry.  And  it  is  equally  important,  that  what- 
ever means  or  funds  of  this  nature,  through  the  Lord's  goodness, 
we  already  possess,  be  managed  with  the  utmost  prudence  and 
good  economy,  and  applied  to  the  best  effect.  Whatever  has 
been  given  for  any  religious  purpose  or  charitable  use,  should  be 
most  conscientiously  applied,  according  to  the  will  and  intent  of 
the  pious  donors.  It  is  lamentable  that  even  Christians,  in  a  late, 
and  often  the  last  solemn  act  of  their  lives — the  bequeathing  of 
their  estates  to  posterity;  declaring  to  what  purpose  and  to  whose 
benefit  those  good  things,  which  a  bountiful  God  has  committed 
to  their  stewardship,  shall  be  applied,  should  so  generally  forget 
to  honour  their  Divine  Benefactor;  that  by  so  few  anything 
should  be  demised  to  religious  use.  Some  honourable  exceptions 
there  are  of  names  which  will  long  shine  among  the  best  benefac- 
tors of  mankind ;  though  dead,  they  yet  live  to  do  good  on  earth, 
and  enjoy  the  fruit  of  it  in  heaven.  Is  it  not  strange,  or  rather 
extremely  inconsistent,  that  God's  people,  who  should  honour 
Him  with  their  substance,  and  with  the  first  fruits  of  all  their 
increase,  should  forget  Him  in  that  awful  moment — its  last  distri- 
bution ? — that  so  many  Christians  had  rather  that  their  large 
fortunes  should  be  spent  in  luxury  and  dissipation,  than  in  admin- 
istering to  famished  souls  the  bread  of  life  ! — that  their  estates 
should  be  applied  to  the  ruining,  rather  than  to  the  saving  man- 
kind. Certainly  the  cases  are  not  few  to  which  these  reflections 
may  justly  be  applied ;  and  are  more  numerous,  we  may  well  fear, 
in  our  Church,  than  in  any  other." 

"  Our  business  is,  however,  not  to  judge  others,  but  to  take 
heed  to  ourselves.  Let  us  cherish  a  grateful  remembrance  of 
those  who  have  remembered  Zion.  There  are  more  than  one  or 
two  places  in  this  Diocese  in  which  Churches  exist  and  flourish, 
in  consequence  of  the  pious  benefactions  of  individuals.  But  the 
highest  praise  we  can  bestow  upon  their  memories,  is  a  faithful 
discharge  of  our  trust,  applying  the  avails  of  their  liberality  to 
the  honour  of  God,  and  to  the  promotion  of  pure  and  undefiled 
religion." 


230  JOURJfAL-1823. 

"  In  this  State,  in  which  we  are  now  convened,  a  trust  of  no 
inconsiderable  importance  (far  less,  indeed,  than  report  has  de- 
clared, but  yet  something  considerable,)  and,  of  course,  of  no 
small  responsibility,  is  likely  to  devolve  on  some  of  us.  This 
property,  if  carefully  managed,  and  justly  and  conscientiously 
applied,  according  to  the  intention  for  which  it  was  reserved,  will 
be  a  very  great  blessing  to  the  publick ;  to  the  people  generally. 
For  their  temporal  wants  mankind  are  sufficiently  carefpl  and 
diligent  in  making  provision." 

"  But  money  may  be  given  with  pious  liberality,  and  for  the 
best  uf  purposes,  and  yet,  through  carelessness,  or  ill  management, 
the  noble  intention  of  the  donor  be  defeated.  And  there  is  too 
much  reason  for  fearing  that  the  improper  uses  sometimes  made 
of  money  given  for  religious  use,  and  the  selfishness,  and  avari- 
cious cupidity  which  it  excites,  have  deterred,  and  continue  to 
deter,  others  from  the  like  liberality.  Such  misapplication  of 
funds  given  for  religious  use  is  more  than  unjust;  it  is  sacrilegious. 
Let  it  by  us  be  religiously  avoided.  What  may  be  our  temporal 
interest,  or  what  we  may  most  desire  or  approve  is  of  no  consid- 
eration. Conscientiously  and  in  the  fear  of  God,  we  are  to  con- 
sider ourselves  as  stewards  to  whom  a  trust  is  committed,  never 
forgetting  that  '  it  is  required  of  stewards  that  a  man  be  found 
faithful.'  Whatever  of  this  nature  may  be  intrusted  to  our  care, 
let  us,  as  the  Lord  shall  give  us  wisdom,  manage  and  apply  with 
all  possible  prudence  and  fidelity,  and  with  a  sacred  regard  to  the 
donor's  intention ;  to  the  honour  of  God  and  to  the  best  good  of 

mankind." 

"  Thoutrh  the  care  and  appropriation  of  the  lands  given  for  the 

benefit  of  the  Church  in  this  State,  do  not  properly  appertain  to 

this  Convention,  it  is  a  subject  in  which  we  are  all,  as  Churchmen 

and  Christians,  concerned ;    and  it  is  evidently  fitting  that  the 

subject  should   be  mentioned   on   this  occasion.      So  far   as  the 

providence  of  God,  and  the  laws  of  our  country  shall  intrust  the 

avails  of  these  lands  to  our  management,  let  us  faithfully  discharge 

the  trust.     Due  regard  should  be  had  to  the  equitable  claim  of 

individuals  :    whatever  rents   may  be  realized,  should,  with   the 

utmost  prudence  and  economy,  be  appropriated  for  the  benefit  of 

the  people  of  this  State ;  and,  as  far  as  practicable,  to  the  use  of 


JOTJRKAL-IS^S.  231 

the  people  in  the  towns  where  the  lands  are.  No  part  of  the 
funds  should  be  used  for  erecting  houses  for  publick  worship  ;  for 
houses  will  decay,  and  funds,  so  expended,  will,  in  most  cases,  be 
lost.  To  which  we  may  add  that  there  is  no  part  of  religious 
expenses,  which  the  people  can  with  more  convenience,  and  do 
more  willingly,  take  upon  themselves,  than  building  their  own 
Churches.  So  far  as  my  advice  and  influence  will  avail,  these 
funds  will  be  employed  in  teaching  the  doctrines,  and  administer- 
ing the  holy  ordinances  of  the  blessed  Redeemer.  The  doctrines 
which  we  teach  are  not,  and  our  manner  of  teaching  should  show 
that  they  are  not,  the  doctrines  of  a  sect,  or  of  any  popular  re- 
former. Except  we  depart  from  the  standards  of  our  Church,  we 
will  preach  no  other  faith  than  that  which  was  'once  delivered  to 
the  saints,'  and  has  since  by  Christians  been  most  generally 
received.  We  adhere  to  that  order  of  church  government,  which 
we  verily  believe  to  be  primitive  and  apostolick ;  and  which  has 
most  generally  prevailed  in  all  the  ages  of  Christianity.  Our 
Liturgy,  in  its  language,  its  sentiments,  its  doctrines,  its  adapta- 
tion to  social  worship,  and  its  suitableness  to  inspire  and  express 
rational  and  fervent  devotion,  is,  to  say  the  least,  as  near  perfec- 
tion as  human  effort  has  ever  yet  arrived.  With  such  advantages, 
great  and  without  excise  must  be  our  negligence,  if  the  funds 
intrusted  to  our  care,  do  not,  to  the  utmost  of  their  amount,  confer 
the  greatest  of  blessings  upon  the  people  of  this  State." 

"  And  let  us  lift  up  our  hearts  in  prayer,  and  unite  our  voices 
in  praise  and  thanksgiving  to  Him,  whose  preserving  mercy  has 
conducted  us  in  safety  through  the  perils  of  another  year ;  whose 
good  providence  has  caused  us  to  assemble  again  in  this  place ; 
and  under  circumstances  how  different  from  those  in  which  we 
met  here  seven  years  ago  !" 

"  To  Him,  to  the  God  of  our  salvation,  be  rendered  glory  and 
eternal  praise.  "     Gospel  Advocate,  vol.  iv,  pp.  9 — 19. 


The  following  amendments  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Eastern 
Diocese  were  made  by  the  Convention  at  Windsor,  Sept.  24th. 
1823.  As  these  amendments  will  affect  the  action  of  the  Conven- 
tion in  this  State ;  they  should  be  here  noticed  : 


232  JOVRXAL-1823. 

"  Voted,  That  the  alteration  in  the  second  Article  of  the  Con- 
stitution, that  the  words  '  in  each  of  the  States  by  rotation  '  be 
struck  out,  and  the  words  '  such  place  as  shall  be  agreed  upon  at 
the  preceding  convention  '  be  inserted,  which  alteration  was  pro- 
posed at  the  last  meeting  of  this  Convention,  be,  and  the  same  is 
hereby  adopted." 

"  Voted,  That  the  alteration  piroposed  at  the  last  meeting  of 
this  Convention  in  the  same  Article,  that  after  the  words  '  lay 
delegate  '  the  words  'or  delegates  not  exceeding  three,'  be  in- 
serted, be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  adopted." 

"  Voted,  That  the  alteration  of  the  10th  Article  of  the  Consti- 
tution, proposed  at  the  last  meeting  of  this  Convention,  that  the 
word  '  biennial '  be  struck  out,  and  the  word  '  annual  '  inserted, 
be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  adopted."  Gospel  Advocate  vol.  iii, 
p.  345. 


As  the  case  of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in 
Foreign  Parts  vs.  the  Town  of  New-Haven  and  William  Wheeler 
has  been  so  often  referred  to  in  the  foregoing  Journal  of  the  Con- 
vention, it  may  be  well  to  give  here  some  account  of  it  and  a  syn- 
opsis of  the  Opinion  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States, 
delivered  in  February  1823  by  IVIr.  Justice  Washington. 

This  case  came  before  the  Court  upon  a  certificate  of  a  division 
in  opinion  of  the  judges  of  the  circuit  court  for  the  district  of  Ver- 
mont. It  was  an  action  of  ejectment  brought  by  the  plaintiffs 
against  the  defendants,  in  that  court.  The  material  facts,  upon 
which  the  question  of  law  arose,  were  stated  in  a  special  verdict, 
and  are  as  follows  : 

By  a  charter  granted  by  William  III.,  in  the  thirteenth  year  of 
his  reign,  a  number  of  persons,  subjects  of  England,  and  there  re- 
siding, were  incorporated  by  the  name  of  "  The  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  tha  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,"  in  order  that  a  bet- 
ter provision  might  be  made  for  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  and 
the  maintenance  of  an  orthodox  clergy  in  the  colonies  of  Great 
Britain.  The  usual  corporate  powers  were  bestowed  upon  this 
society,  and,  amongst  others,  it  was  authorized  to  purchase  estates 
ef   inheritance  to  the  value  of  two  thousand  pounds,  per  annum, 


JO  URJfAL-1 823.  233 

and  estates  for  lives  or  years,  and  goods  and  chattels,  of  any 
value.  This  charter  of  incorporation  was  duly  accepted  by  the 
persons  therein  named ;  and  the  corporation  has  ever  since  exis- 
ted, and  now  exists,  as  an  organized  body  politic  and  corporate, 
in  England,  all  the  members  thereof  being  subjects  of  the  king 
of  Great  Britain. 

On  the  2d  of  November,  1761,  a  grant  was  made  by  the  gov- 
ernor of  the  province  of  New-Hampshire,  in  the  name  of  the 
king,  by  which  a  certain  tract  of  land,  in  that  province  was 
granted  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  province,  and  of  the  king's 
other  governments,  and  to  their  heirs  and  assigns,  whose  names 
were  entered  on  the  grant.  The  tract  so  granted  was  to  be  in- 
corporated into  a  town,  by  the  name  of  New-Haven,  and  to  be 
divided  into  sixty-eight  shares,  one  of  which  was  granted  to 
"  The  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign 
Parts."  The  tract  of  land  thus  granted,  was  divided  among  the 
grantees  by  sundry  votes  and  proceedings  of  a  majority  of  them  ; 
which,  by  the  law  and  usage  of  Vermont,  render  such  partition 
legal.  The  premises  demanded  by  the  plaintiffs,  in  this  ejectment, 
were  set  off  to  them  in  the  above  partition,  but  they  had  no 
agency  in  the  division,  nor  was  it  necessary,  by  the  lav/  and 
usaare  of  Vermont,  in  order  to  render  the  same  valid. 

On  the  30th  of  October,  1794,  the  legislature  of  Vermont 
passed  an  act,  declaring  that  the  rights  to  land  in  that  State, 
granted  under  the  authority  of  the  British  government,  previous 
to  the  Kevolution,  to  "  The  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,"  were  thereby  granted  severally  to  the 
respective  towns  in  which  such  lands  lay,  and  to  their  use  forever. 
The  act  then  proceeds  to  authorize  the  selectmen  of  each  town, 
to  sue  for  and  recover  such  lands,  if  necessary,  and  to  lease  them 
out,  reserving  an  annual  rent,  to  be  appropriated  to  the  support 
of  schools.  Under  this  law,  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  New- 
Haven  executed  a  perpetual  lease  of  a  part  of  the  demanded 
premises,  to  the  -defendant,  William  Wheeler,  on  the  10th  of 
February,  1800,  reserving  an  annual  rent  of  five  dollars  and  fifty 
cents;  immediately  after  which,  the  said  Wheeler  entered  upon 
the  land  so  leased,  and  has  ever  since  held  the  possession  thereof. 
Similar  donations  were  made,  about  the  same  time  with  the  above 


234  JOURJrAL-1823. 

grant,  to  the  plaintiffs,  of  lands  lying  within  the  limits  of  Ver- 
mont, by  the  governor  of  New-Hampshire,  in  the  name  of  the 
king ;  but  the  plaintiffs  never  entered  upon  such  lands,  nor  upon 
the  demanded  premises,  nor  in  any  manner  asserted  a  claim  or 
title  thereto,  until  the  commencement  of  this  suit. 

Upon  this  special  verdict,  the  judges  of  the  court  below  were 
divided  in  opinion  upon  the  question,  whether  judgment  should 
be  rendered  for  the  plaintiffs  or  defendants,  and  the  question  was 
thereupon  certified  to  this  court. 

Mr.  Hopkinson  argued  the  case  for  the  plaintiffs,  and  Mr.  Web- 
ster for  the  defendants. 

The  following  is  a  synopsis  of  the  opinion  of  the  court : 

A  Corporation  for  religious  and  charitable  purposes,  which  is 
endowed  solely  by  private  benefactions,  is  a  private  eleemosynary 
corporation,  although  it  is  created  by  a  charter  from  the  govern- 
ment. 

The  capacity  of  private  individuals,  British  subjects,  or  of  cor- 
porations, created  by  the  Crown,  in  this  country,  or  in  Great 
Britain,  to  hold  lands  or  other  property  in  this  country,  was  not 
affected  by  the  Revolution. 

The  proper  courts  in  this  country  will  interfere  to  prevent  an 
abuse  of  the  trusts  confided  to  British  corporations  holding  lands 
here  to  charitable  uses,  and  will  aid  in  enforcing  the  due  execntion 
of  the  trusts;  but  neither  those  courts,  nor  the  local  legislature 
where  the  lands  lie,  can  adjudge  a  forfeiture  of  the  franchises  of 
the  foreign  corporation,  or  of  its  property. 

The  property  of  British  corporations,  in  this  country,  is  pro- 
tected by  the  sixth  article  of  the  Treaty  of  peace  of  1783,  in  the 
same  manner  as  that  of  natural  persons ;  and  their  title,  thus 
protected,  is  confirmed  by  the  ninth  article  of  the  treaty  of  1794, 
so  that  it  could  not  be  forfeited  by  any  intermediate  legislative 
act,  or  other  proceeding  for  the  defect  of  alienage. 

The  termination  of  a  treaty,  by  war,  does  not  divest  rights  of  prop- 
erty already  vested  under  it. 

Nor  do  treaties,  in  general,  become  extinguished,  ipso  facto,  by 
war  between  the  two  governments.  Those  stipulating  for  a  perma- 
nent arrangement  of  territorial,  and  other  national  rights  are,  at 
most,  suspended  during  the  war,  and  revive  at  the  peace,  unless 


JOUR^AL-1824-  235 

they  are  waived  by  the  parties,  or  new  and  repugnant  stipulations 
are  made. 

The  act  of  the  Legislature  of  Vermont,  of  the  30th  of  October 
1794,  granting  the  lands  in  that  State,  belonging  to  "  The  Society 
for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,"  to  the  respec- 
tive towns  in  which  the  lands  lie,  is  void,  and  conveys  no  title 
under  it.     5  Curtis,  483-494.     (8  Wheaton,  404.) 

The  General  Assembly  of  Vermont,  at  the  session  thereof  in  the 
Fall  of  1823  passed  the  following  Resolution,  having  respect  to  the 
foregoing  decision,  and  to  what  farther  means  the  ingenuity  of 
counsel  could  devise  to  impoverish  the  Church  : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Governor  and  Council  concurring  herein, 
that  his  excellency,  the  Governor  of  this  State  be  requested  to 
make  satisfactory  inquiry  of  the  counsel,  employed  by  the  State,  to 
defend  the  suit  against  New-Haven,  lately  determined  before  the 
supreme  court  of  the  United  States ;  or  in  any  other  way,  he  shall 
deem  expedient,  to  ascertain  the  true  situation  of  the  rights  of  land, 
originally  granted  in  this  State, '  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel 
in  Foreign  Parts;'  and  if  said  determination  settles  the  title  to  said 
rights,  in  every  respect ;  and  to  communicate  the  result  of  said 
inquiry  to  the  next  session  of  the  Legislature.  —  Concurred  Nov,  3. 
1823."     Acts  of  the  Legislature  of  Vermont,  1823,  p.   31. 


1824. 

Bethel,  Wednesday,  June  23d,  1824. 
This  being  the  day  designated  by  the  Constitution  for  the 
Annual  Meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church,  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  the  Kight  Rev. 
Bishop  of  the  Eastern  Diocese,  a  number  of  Clergymen  and 
Lay  Delegates  from  several  of  the  Churches  in  this  State 
assembled  at  9  o'clock,  a.  m.  in  Christ  Church,  Bethel. 

Present : 
Right  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  President  ex  officio. 
Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rector  of  Bethel  and  Bethesda 
Churches,  Arlington,  and  Zion  Church,  Manchester. 


236  JO  URMAL-1 824. 

Rev.  George  LEONARD,Rectorof  St.  Paul's  Church,  Windsor. 
Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church, 
Middlehury. 

Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Shelhurne. 
Rev.  Elijah  Brainard,  Deacon,  Missionary. 
Rev.  Samuel  B.  Shaw,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Christ  Church, 
Guilford. 

The  following  gentlemen  presented  their  Credentials  as 
Lay  Delegates,  and  took  their  seats  : 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD: 

Dana  Hyde, 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL: 

Dudley  Chase,  Thomas  Russel, 

Salmon  C.  Cotton. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY : 
George  Cleveland,  Dorastus  Wooster. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD: 

James  Hawley. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS: 
John  Richardson. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

Luke  Dewing. 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY  : 

RuFus  Smith. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  POULTNEY: 

Philo  Hosford. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  PAWLET: 

Daniel  Fitch. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WELLS: 

Raymond  Hotchkiss. 

The  Rev.  Joel  Clap  was  appointed  Secretary. 
On  motion  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson,  Resolved,  That  vis- 
ting  Clergymen  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  who 


jour:n'AL-1824.  237 

may  be  present  during  the  session  of  this  Convention,  be 
admitted  to  honorary  seats  in  the  same. 

The  Rev.  Nathan  B.  Burgess,  from  the  Diocese  of  Connec- 
ticut, and  the  Rev.  Pahner  Dyer,  Deacon,  from  the  Diocese 
of  New- York,  accordingly  appeared  and  took  their  seats. 

The  Parochial  Reports  being  called  for,  the  following  were 
presented  and  read  : 

BETHEL  AND  BETHESDA  CHURCHES,  ARLINGTON. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  5  ;  Marriages,  5 ;  Funerals,  9 ;  Communicants,  80. 
ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  1 ;  Marriages,  1 ;  Funerals,  5 ;  Communicants,  35. 
ST.  MATTHEW'S  CHURCH,  SANDGATE. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  MINISTER. 

Communicants,  31. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  PAWLET. 

PALMER  DYER,  MINISTER. 

This  Parish  was  reorganized  on  the  9th  of  December,  1823. 
The  numbar  of  Communicants  is  about  fifteen.  Within  a  fort- 
night after  the  Minister  had  the  pleasure  of  assisting  at  the 
reorganization  of  this  Church,  he  was  called  to  mourn,  with  his 
brethren,  over  the  grave  of  the  Senior  Warden,  one  of  its  foun- 
ders and  supporters. 

The  Church  lands  in  this  town  are  valuable.  The  town,  how- 
ever, is  yet  unwilling  to  surrender  its  claims ;  so  that  we  do  not 
at  present  derive  any  benefit  from  them.  The  avails  of  them  are 
much  wanted,  and  depended  upon,  by  our  few  Churchmen,  to 
enable  them  to  support  the  administration  of  Christian  and 
Apostolic  ordinances. 


238  JOURJfAL-1824. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WELLS. 

PALMER  DYER,  MINISTER. 

On  the  27th  of  April  in  the  present  year,  I  had  the  pleasure 
to  assist  in  reorganizing  the  Church  in  Wells,  named  St.  Paul's, 
as  will  appear  from  the  Certificate  this  day  presented  by  the  Lay 
Delegate.     Burials,  1 ;  number  of  Communicants  about  20. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD. 

S.  BRENTON  SHAW,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms,  2  :  Marriages,  2 ;  Funerals,  5  ;  Communicants,  46 ; 
Families  which  regularly  attend  Church  about  70 ;  Sunday 
Scholars,  in  both  Churches,  52. 

This  Parish  has  suffered  during  the  past  year  from  removals,  and 
feels  severely  the  pressure  of  the  times.  Its  trust,  however,  being 
in  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  and  continuing  firm  "in  the 
unity  of  the  faith  and  in  the  bonds  of  peace,"  its  prospects  are 
by  no  means  discouraging.  The  congregation  at  the  West 
Church  has  materially  increased  during  the  past  year,  while  none 
have  withdrawn  from  the  East,  except  those  who  have  removed 
to  other  places.  Arrangements  have  been  made  to  procure  a 
parsonage  house  during  the  present  season. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR. 

GEORGE  LEONARD,  RECTOR. 

From  June,  1822  to  June  1823,  7  Baptisms;  2  Burials;  1 
Marriage.  From  June,  1823  to  June.  1824,  3  Baptisms;  1  Bur- 
ial ;  2  Marriages,  and  two  persons  confirmed. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  WEATHERSFIELD. 

GEORGE  LEONARD,  RECTOR. 

One  Baptism. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY. 

BENJAMIN  B.  SMITH,  RECTOR. 

During  the  past  year  the  external  circumstances  of  this  Parish 
have  not  essentially  changed.     It  is  hoped  that  a  gradual  and 


J0VRKAL-1S^4-  239 

permanent  improvement  has  taken  place ;  precisely  such  as  might 
have  been  expected  in  the  ordinary  course  of  Providence,  though 
by  no  means  as  conspicuous  and  striking  as  has  been  earnestly 
implored  as  a  special  favour  from  God.  Baptisms  since  the  last 
report,  but  four;  and  Funerals  only  two.  The  number  of  Com- 
municants, by  means  of  the  addition  of  two  new  members,  the 
return  of  several  to  the  village,  and  the  accession  of  others  who 
had  been  elsewhere  communicants,  has  increased  to  nearly  forty. 
The  Sunday  School  and  Bible  Classes  excite  interest  and  promise 
to  be  useful.  One  favorable  indication  ought  thankfully  to  be 
noticed.  It  does  not  indeed  relate,  as  devoutly  could  be  wished, 
to  the  most  important  of  all  subjects,  still  it  is  gratifying  to  per- 
ceive an  increased  disposition  to  examine  the  claims,  and  prize 
the  excellencies  of  the  Episcopal  Church. 

The  demand  for  tracts,  and  for  more  elaborate  works,  in  relation 
to  its  distinctive  principles  is  very  great,  and  has  evidently  in- 
creased ;  and  in  the  most  unexpected  quarters,  an  attachment  to 
its  Liturgy  has  been  discovered.  We  have  good  reason  therefore 
to  hope,  that  God  is  beginning  at  least,  to  give  us  favour  in  the 
sight  of  the  people,  and  we  trust  it  will  prove  to  have  been  in 
richest  love  to  their  souls. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURNE. 

JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  5,  infants  7)  — 12  ;  Marriages,  3 ;  Funerals,  2 ; 
Communicants,  71. 

The  state  of  this  Parish  presents  no  peculiarly  interesting 
feature.  The  congregation  has  been  gradually  increasing,  and 
it  is  hoped  that  God  has,  in  some  measure,  blessed  the  means  of 
grace,  to  the  advancement  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion  among 
the  people. 

CALVARY  CHURCH,  BERKSHIRE. 

JOEL  CLAP,  MISSIONARY. 

Baptisms  (adults  2,  infants  10)  —  12 ;  Funerals,  1 ;  Communi- 
cants, 32. 


240  JOUBJfAL—1824. 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY. 

JOEL  CLAP,  MISSIONARY. 

Baptisms,  infants,  2  ;   Comrannicants,  29  ; 

CHURCH,  ENOSBURGH. 

JOEL  CLAP,  MISSIONARY. 

Communicants,  10. 

These  Churches  have  been  destitute  of  the  regular  and  stated 
services  of  a  Clergyman  since  the  much  lamented  death  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Gray.  Divine  Service  has  been  regularly  conducted  by 
Lay  Readers,  in  the  two  former,  during  the  whole  period,  except 
when  occasionally  supplied  by  a  Clergyman,  and  recently  in  the 
latter,  and  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  Lord  has  in  some 
degree  blessed  the  same. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL. 

JOEL  CLAP,  MISSIONARY. 

Baptisms,  (adults,  1 ,  infants,  8)  9 ;  Communicants,  68. 

With  a  very  commendable  zeal,  the  members  of  this  Parish 
have,  at  the  expense  of  very  great  exertion,  completed  the  Church 
edjfice  in  which  we  are  now  assembled ;  in  which  the  services  of 
the  Church  are  regularly  performed,  by  a  Lay  Reader,  whose 
labour  of  love  has  been  richly  repaid  by  the  constant,  though 
gradual  increase  of  the  Congregation,  and  as  we  fondly  hope,  the 
spiritual  condition  of  the  Parish  is  improving. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Brainard  has  occasionally  officiated  in  this 
Church  during  the  past  season. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Burgess,  from  the  Diocese  of  Connecticut,  has 
kindly  officiated  two  Sundays,  and  assisted  on  the  third. 

The  situation  of  these  vacant  Parishes  presents  a  very  powerful 
appeal  to  the  missionary  spirit  of  the  friends  of  our  Church  in 
this  State. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS. 

JOHN  RICHARDSON,  WARDEN. 

Funeral,  1  child  ;  Communicants,  13. 


/ 


JO  URjYAL-1  824.  241 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD. 

JAMES  IIAWLEY,  LAY  READER. 

Communicants,  62 ;  additions  within  the  past  year,  2,  one  by 
removal. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

JOHN  S.  GALLUP,  SOCIETY  CLERK. 

The  state  of  this  Church  is  about  the  same  as  last  year. 


The  following  Committees  were  appointed  : 

STANDING  COMMITTEE : 

Kev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Eev.  George  Leonard,  Rev.  Carl- 
ton Chase,  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith  and  Rev.  Joel  Clap. 

PRUDENTIAL  COMMITTEE  : 

Hon.  Daniel  Chipman,  Hon.  Jonathan  H.  Hubbard,  Do- 
rastus  Wooster  and  Joshua  Isham,  Esqrs. 

On  motion,  the  following  amendment  to  the  Constitution, 
proposed  at  the  last  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  was 
adopted  : 

After  the  word  "  Convention,"  in  the  second  line  of  the 
fourth  Article  in  the  printed  copy,  to  strike  out  the  words, 
"and  when  there  is  to  be  a  session  of  the  General  Convention 
within  the  ensuing  year,"  and  insert  the  word  "also."  After 
the  words  "  delegation  shall,"  in  the  fourth  line,  to  insert 
the  word  "annually."  Also,  in  the  fifth  line,  after  the 
words,  "this  State  in"  to  strike  out  the  words  "that  body, 
also  as  long  as  this  State  shall  belong  to  the  Eastern  Diocese, 
a  delegation  shall  be  appointed  to  attend  each  Diocesan 
Convention  at  the  next  preceding  annual  Convention,  or  at 
some  meeting  specially  warned  for  that  purpose,"  and  insert 
the  words  "the  General  Convention."  Also  in  the  11th  line 
of  said  Article,  to  strike  out  the  words  "or  Diocesan." 


242  JOUBJfAL-1824. 

The  following  Report  was  received,  read  and  accepted  : 
The  Committee  appointed  at  the  last  Convention  "to  report 
a  uniform  mode  of  election  of  Lay  Delegates  from  the  several 
Parishes  in  this  State  to  its  annual  Convention,  and  also  a 
form  of  certificate  of  said  election,"  beg  leave  to  report, 
Thai  the  Lay  Delegates  shall  in  all  cases  either  reside  in  the 
Parish  which  they  represent,  or  contribute  to  its  funds,  and 
be  chosen  at  some  regular  meeting  of  the  Parish  or  Society, 
or  at  least  at  some  meeting  of  the  Wardens  and  Vestry, 
of  which  previous  public  notice  shall  have  been  given  ;  and 
that  the  form  of  certificate  shall  run  in  the  following  words, 
or  others  of  similar  import : 

"  This  is  to  certify,  That  A.  B.  C.  D.  etc.  have  been  duly 
appointed  Lay  Delegates  to  represent Church,  (Par- 
ish or  Society)  of in  the  next  State  Convention  to  be 

holden  in on  the day  of ."     Which 

certificate  shall  be  signed  either  by  the  Clerk  of  the  Parish, 

Society,  or  Vestry,  for  the  time  being the  Rector  of 

the  Parish or  by  one  of  the  Wardens.     All  which  is 

respectfully  submitted. 

BENJAMIN  B.  SMITH,   )  p         .,, 
DANIEL  CHIPMAN,        \  committee. 

The  Convention  adjourned  for  the  purpose  of  attending 
Divine  Service. 

Christ  Church  was  then  consecrated  by  the  Right  Rever- 
end Bishop.  Morning  Prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Bronson.  The  Sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bish- 
op, who  proceeded  to  the  administration  of  the  Holy 
Communion,  in  which  he  was  assisted  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Leonard.  After  which  the  business  of  the  Convention  was 
resumed. 

Adjourned  until  4  o'clock  this  evening. 

Wednesday,  4  o'clock  p.  m.  The  Convention  assembled 
for   the   purpose   of  attending  Divine    Service.      Evening 


JOURJiAL-1824.  243 

Prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Shaw,  and  a  sermon 
preached  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  after  which  the  Conven- 
tion proceeded  to  business. 

On  motion  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson,  Resolved,  That  the 
next  annual  meeting  of  this  Convention  be  holden  at 
St.  Albans. 

The  following  Delegates  to  the  General  Convention  were 
then  appointed  :  The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Benj 
B.  Smith,  Rev.  Joel  Clap  and  Rev.  Sam'l  B.  Shaw — 
Clerical.  Daniel  Chipman,  Dudley  Chase,  Jonathan  H. 
Hubbard,  and  Dana  Hyde — Laymen. 

On  motion  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  Resolved,  That  the 
Agents  and  Attorneys  of  the  "Society  for  the  Propagation  of 
the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,"  for  the  management  of  the 
Society  lands  in  this  State,  be,  and  they  hereby  are  reques- 
ted to  report  to  the  next  Convention,  a  full  and  minute 
account  of  the  condition  of  the  business  and  funds  at  their 
disposal. 

On  motion  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  Resolved,  That  a 
Committee  be  appointed  to  report  to  the  next  Convention 
the  expediency  of  establishing  a  Contingent  Fund  to  be  at 
the  disposal  of  the  Convention,  and  the  best  mode  of  raising 
and  proportioning  said  Fund. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  upon  said  Com- 
mittee :  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  George  Cleveland,  and 
Rev.  Joel  Clap. 

The  Rev,  Samuel  B.  Shaw  was  appointed  to  preach  before 
the  next  Convention,  and  the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  his 
substitute. 

On  motion,  voted,  That  the  Secretary  be  directed  to 
publish  the  Journal  of  the  proceedings  of  this  Convention. 

Adjourned,  without  day. 
A  true  copy. 

Attest, 

JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 


244  JO  UBJ^J.L-1 824. 

THE  4th   article  OF  THE  CONSTITUTION    AS    AMENDED    BY    THE    CON- 
VENTION ON  THE  23d  day  OF  JuNE,  A.  D.   1824. 

A  President,  Secretary  and  Standing  Committee  shall  be  chosen 
at  every  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention;  also  the  requisite 
Delegation  shall  be  annually  appointed  to  represent  this  State  in  the 
General  Convention. 

Provided,  however,  That  no  person  shall  be  a  member  of  the 
Standing  Committee,  or  shall  represent  this  State  in  the  General 
Convention,  unless  he  be  a  regular  Communicant  in  the  Church. 
Provided,  also,  That  when  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  shall  be  pres- 
ent in  the  Convention,  he  shall  ex-officio,  be  President. 

The  Convention  may  from  time  to  time,  if  deemed  expedient, 
appoint  a  Prudential  Committee  to  superintend  the  prudential 
concerns  of  the  Church. 


MEETING  OF  THE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

The  morning  after  the  meeting  of  the  Convention,  a  few  mem- 
bers of  the  Missionary  Society  met  in  Christ  Church,  Bethel,  for 
the  purpose  of  electing  officers,  and  transacting  the  annual  busi- 
ness of  the  Society. 

With  very  mortifying  and  bitter  feelings,  it  was  observed  that 
very  few  of  the  influential  Laymen  then  assembled  manifested 
sufficient  interest  in  the  Society,  even  to  attend  its  hasty  meeting. 
The  business  was  transacted  by  so  small  a  number  that  they  did 
not  presume  to  make  the  least  change  in  any  of  its  officers  or 
arrangements.  But  the  managers,  affected  to  the  heart  at  the 
total  insensibility  to  this  great  and  most  desirable  object,  have  em- 
boldened themselves  to  take  this  method  of  announcing  the  low  state 
of  this  Association,  and  have  presumed  so  far  as  to  occupy  a 
blank  page  upon  the  Journals,  with  this  hasty  appeal  to  the  friends 
of  the  Church,  in  the  hope  of  exciting  some  increased  degree  of 
attention  to  this  neglected  subject.  And  upon  the  pressure  of  the 
occasion,  they  have  resolved  to  adopt  the  following  measures  for 
carrying  their  purpose  into  effect. 

1.  They  propose  to  make  provisions,  that  for  the  future  a  Ser- 
mon shall  be  preached  before  the  Society  at  its  annual  meeting, 


JOURJ^AL-1824..  245 

the  day  after  that  appointed  for  the  meeting  of  the  Convention, 
and  for  taking  up  a  contribntion  at  that  time  for  its  funds. 

2.  They  hereby  appeal  to  their  brethren  in  the  Ministry,  with 
the  earnest  request  that  they  will  take  into  considei-ation  the  vote 
of  the  Convention  of  1822,  by  which  they  were  desired  to  take  up 
contributions  in  their  several  Parishes  for  Missionary  purposes, 
after  preaching  upon  the  subject ;  and  beg  leave  further  to  suggest 
the  expediency  of  having  these  collections  at  the  communion  sea- 
sons of  Christmas  and  Whitsunday.  And  they  are  exceedingly 
desirous  that  every  communicant  in  the  Church  will  feel  called  up- 
on, either  to  save  or  earn  a  specific  sum,  to  be  consecrated  more  es- 
pecially to  this  holy  purpose. 

3.  And  they  hereby  further  intimate  to  the  Agents  of  the 
Society  in  the  several  Parishes  that  they  are  preparing  a  Circular 
to  be  addressed  to  them,  in  the  confident  hope  that  they  will  be 
prevailed  upon  to  procure  a  much  larger  number  of  subscribers, 
than  has  yet,  from  any  Parish,  been  reported. 

The  Managers  are  impressed  with  the  vast  importance  and  in- 
creasing interest  of  the  Society  whose  concerns  they  superintend, 
as  it  regards  the  influence  which  it  is  capable  of  exerting  in  the 
immediate  state  of  our  infant  Church.  And  they  would  be  want- 
ing in  their  duty  to  this  Society  and  the  Church  at  large,  if  they 
did  not  earnestly  call  upon  Episcopalians,  now  if  ever,  to  exert 
themselves  in  its  behalf.  By  prompt  and  vigorous  exertions — by 
frequent  and  liberal  contributions,  the  Managers  will  be  empow- 
ered to  supply  the  wants  of  many  of  our  people,  whom  it  would  be 
exceedingly  unfeeling  to  neglect.  They  therefore  submit  the 
case  to  the  friends  of  the  Church,  with  humble  prayers  that  their 
hearts  and  hands  may  be  opened  on  this  pressing  and  important 
occasion, 

Middlebury,  June  29th,  1824. 


The  following  paragraphs  in  the  Address  of  Bishop  Griswold, 
delivered  before  the  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  held  at 
Portland,  Maine,  Septemper  29th,  1824  have  respect  to  the  Church 
iu  Vermont  and  belong  to  the  Journal  of  this  year  : — 


246  JO  URJfAL-1 824. 

"  My  Friends  and  Brethren  : 

The  rapid  course  of  revolving  time,  has  again,  and  thus  soon 
brought  about  the  season  most  interesting  to  this  Diocese ;  tbe 
meeting  of  its  annual  Convention.  Once  more  are  we  called  to 
unite  in  thankful  acknowledgements  to  the  Father  of  Mercies,  that 
we  have  been  preserved  through  the  vicissitudes  and  perils  of 
another  year,  and  are  permitted  to  assemble  at  this,  the  appoint- 
ed time  and  place. 

"  My  labours,  of  whicb  it  becomes  my  duty  now  to  render  you 
some  brief  account,  have  been  no  less  abundant  than  in  former 
years.  Almost  the  whole  of  our  Churches  have  been  visited  within 
the  year ;  and  in  my  visitations,  I  have  preached  from  once  to  four 
times,  and  in  the  greatest  part  of  them  have  administered  Confirma- 
tion, and  the  Lord's  Supper.  A  short  statement  of  what  is  most 
singular  or  necessary  for  information,  will  be  all  that  it  is  expedient, 
or  that  you  will  desire.  " 

"After  the  adjournment  of  our  last  Convention,  at  Windsor,  in 
Vermont,  I  pursued  my  journey  to  the  northern  boundary,  and 
through  all  the  western  parts  of  that  State,  '  confirming  the 
Churches.'  Excepting  a  few  families  in  Pawlet  and  Wells,  who 
attend  the  ministrations  at  Granville,  in  the  State  of  New- York ; 
a  few  also  in  Sandgate,  who  met  us  at  Arlington,  and  the  Church 
at  Guilford  since  visited,  my  tour  was  then  extended  to  every 
Parish,  however  small,  in  that  State.  I  received  much  kindness 
and  aid  from  my  clerical  brethren,  one  or  more  of  whom  accom- 
panied me.  all  the  way,  and  often  took  a  part  of  the  services ;  and 
by  the  people  in  every  Parish,  and  indeed,  throughout  the  Diocese, 
have  I  been  received,  and  treated  with  much  kindness  and  hospi- 
tality.    May  the  Lord  remember  them  for  good." 

"Saturday,  the  27th  of  September,  1823,  we  reached  Bethel, 
where  I  preached  in  the  evening.  The  next  day  I  preached 
twice ;  confirmed  twenty-two,  and  gave  the  Communion  to  about 
sixty ;  which,  considering  how  recently  they  had  been  organized 
as  a  Parish,  and  how  shortly  before  there  had  been  a  Confirmation 
in  the  same  place,  was  highly  encouraging.  Owing  to  sickness 
among  the  workmen,  their  new  Church  was  not  sufficiently  finished 
for  consecration ;  but  this  disappointment,  as  a  M'ise  and  good 
Providence  has  overruled,  has,  we  have  good  reason  to  believe, 


J0UBJ^AL-182A.  247 

'turned  out  for  the  furtherance  of  the  Gospel ;' — it  caused  a  post- 
ponement of  the  consecration  till  the  meeting  of  the  Vermont 
Convention  at  Bethel,  when  we  had  one  of  the  most  interesting 
seasons  that  I  have  ever  witnessed.  Great  praise  is  due  to  the 
liberality  and  pious  zeal  of  that  people,  in  building  a  house  to 
God's  honour,  and  for  the  love  they  uniformly  manifest  for  His 
holy  worship." 

"  In  the  evening,  we  proceeded  to  Randolph,  where  I  delivered 
a  third  discourse.  We  had  a  large  congregation,  and  a  very 
hospitable  reception." 

"  In  pursuing  our  journey,  we  passed  through  Jericho,  where  I 
was  for  the  first  time  informed,  a  Mr.  Garlic,  an  Episcopal  minis- 
ter, once  officiated.  A  remnant  of  his  parish,  it  was  said,  yet 
remains;  but  the  appointments  which  I  had  previously  made, 
would  not  admit  of  my  staying,  as  my  desire  was,  to  obtain  more 
certain  information." 

"  In  Cambridge  I  found  a  few  Episcopalians ;  spake  to  them 
the  word  of  God,  and  administered  Confirmation  and  the  Lord's 
Supper.  In  Enosburgh,  also,  I  was  invited  to  preach;  and  there 
too  are  a  few  attached  to  our  Church,  from  conviction  of  its  supe- 
riour  excellence.  This  was  my  first  visit  to  the  two  last  named 
places ;  a  missionary's  labours  in  them  would  be  well  bestowed. 
In  no  part  of  this  Diocese,  do  I  find  the  people  more  generally 
disposed  to  receive  the  pure  doctrines  of  Christ,  and  to  reverence 
the  ordinances  of  His  religion.  Those  ministers  of  Christ,  whose 
chief  desire  is  to  build  up  His  kingdom,  and  to  be  instrumental  in 
the  salvation  of  their  fellow  men,  cannot  find  a  more  promising 
field  for  their  labours,  than  the  north-western  parts  of  Vermont." 

"  On  the  2d  of  October,  the  new  edifice  in  Berkshire  was 
consecrated,  with  all  the  services  appropriate  and  usual  on  such 
occasions,  by  the  name  of  Calvary  Church.  Here,  as,  also,  in 
Montgomery,  are  a  pious,  zealous  people,  who,  since  the  lamented 
death  of  the  Reverend  Mr.  Gray,  have  been  almost  wholly  desti- 
tute of  the  Christian  Ordinances.  The  Reverend  Mr.  Clap,  to 
whose  active  zeal,  we  are  much  indebted,  officiates  a  small  part  of 
the  time  in  these,  and  some  other  vacant  parishes." 

"The  divisions  and  discouragements  resulting  from  the  late 
unhappy  diflSculties  in  Sheldon  and  Fairfield,  still  in  some  degree 


248  JOURMAL-1824. 

remain ;  but  we  hope  they  are  gradually  subsiding.  The  Parish 
in  Sheldon,  have  given  a  very  pleasing  evidence  of  returning  har- 
mony, by  uniting,  at  the  present  time,  in  building  a  Church  ;  but 
unhappily  the  parish  in  Fairfield,  are  also  destitute  of  a  minister," 

"  In  St.  Albans  there  is  a  pleasing  prospect  that  the  erection  of 
a  Church  will  soon  be  commenced.  For  the  first  time,  I  visited 
Swanton,  which  is  but  a  few  miles  distant  from  St.  Albans.  The 
few  Episcopalians  there,  have  united  with  Christians  of  three  other 
denominations,  in  building  a  house  for  religious  worship,  each 
denomination  to  have  the  use  of  it  one- fourth  of  the  time,  Such 
a  union,  through  the  corruption  of  our  nature,  too  naturally  tends 
to  disunion  :  God  grant  that  this  case  may  be  an  exception.  These 
two  places  are  also  destitute  of  any  one  to  'labour  in  word  and  doc- 
trine.' Where  we  should  have  four  Clergymen  constantly  oflBciat- 
ing,  we  have  not  more  than  one.  Let  us  at  least  continue  our 
prayers  to  '  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  that  He  will  send  labourers 
into  his  harvest'  in  those  parts," 

"The  increase  of  the  Church  in  Shelburue,  both  in  numbers  and 
zeal  gave  us  reason  to  *  thank  God  and  take  courage,'  Twenty- 
seven  presented  themselves  for  Confirmation  and  a  large  number  at 
the  Lord's  Table.  Mr.  Clap,  had  kindly  accompanied  me  all  the 
way  from  Windsor  to  this  his  Parish:  but  here  other  engage- 
ments called  him  another  way." 

"  In  Middlebury,  through  the  Lord's  blessing  on  the  labours  of 
the  Reverend  Mr.  Smith,  the  prospects  of  the  Church  are  bright- 
ening. Tn  Rutland  I  was  happy  in  finding  that  its  hopes  are  not 
wholly  extinguished." 

"  It  was  highly  gratifying  to  find  in  Vermont,  several  pious 
youno"  men  whose  views  are  to  the  sacred  ministry.  This  is  the 
more  encouraging  from  the  hope  that  they  will  bestow  their  labours 
in  that  State,  where  they  are  so  much  needed;  and  not  the  less 
certainly  from  the  fact,  that  a  very  considerable  number  of  the 
most  able,  and  zealous  of  our  Clergy  in  the  United  States,  have  origi- 
nated from  Vermont." 

"  On  the  15th  of  June,  1824,  I  commenced  another  tour.  On 
the  16th,  I  met,  in  Trinity  Church,  Boston,  with  the  Convention  of 
Massachusetts;  and  on  the  23d,  in  company  with  the  Rev,  Mr. 
Leonard,  of  Windsor,  arrived  again  at  Bethel,  in  Vermont,  where 


JO  URJfAL-1 824.  249 

we  bad  the  pleasure  of  meeting  many  friends  and  brethren  from 
various  parts.  The  23d  was  one  of  the  happiest  days  of  my  life. 
At  the  hour  of  nine  in  the  morning,  the  Convention  of  Vermont 
met  in  the  new  Church,  where  already  the  people  were  assembling 
for  the  religious  services  which  were  appointed  to  commence  at 
eleven.  The  congregation  was  very  numerous ;  nearly  one-half 
of  them  could  not  enter  the  Church.  After  it  was  solemnly 
consecrated  to  Almighty  God,  to  be  henceforth  sacred  to  His  Holy 
worship,  and  a  Sermon  was  delivered,  prepared  for  the  occasion, 
Confirmation  followed ;  after  which  a  very  large  number  united 
in  the  Holy  Communion.  The  people  appeared  to  be  deeply 
interested,  and  were  unusually  attentive ;  and  though  the  other 
services  had  been  long,  during  which  a  great  part  of  the  people 
had  stood,  there  were  many  more  remained  through  the  ministra- 
tion of  this  Sacrament  than  the  Church  could  contain  ;  —  a  fact 
which  authorized  the  belief,  that  something  better  than  curiosity 
had  detained  them ;  and  that  they  did  '  hunger  and  thirst  after 
righteousness : '  mine  chiefly  was  the  fault,  if  they  'were  sent 
empty  away.'  The  Convention  was  adjourned  to  the  hour  of 
four  in  the  afternoon,  when  Divine  Services  were  again  performed  : 
Prayers  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Shaw,  and  the  Convention  Sermon  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith.  Two  couples  were  also  joined  in  marriage. 
Bethel  is  one  of  our  most  important  stations  for  a  clergyman ; 
where  the  labours  of  one  duly  qualified  for  that  place,  would,  we 
may  well  hope,  be  exceedingly  useful." 

"  The  general  state  of  the  Church  in  Vermont,  though  clouded 
by  some  serious  difficulties,  is  such  as  calls  for  thankfulness  to  its 
Divine  Head.  Some  new  Parishes  have  been  recently  formed. 
Those  who  are  already  and  decidedly  Episcopalians,  are  generally 
and  com]>aratively  speaking,  pious,  exemplary  Christians,  and 
attached  to  the  Church  from  sincere  conviction  and  conscientious 
principles.  The  few  ministers  also,  who  are  labouring  among 
them  are,  in  a  large  proportion,  we  may  well  believe  of  those, 
who,  as  St.  Paul  says,  are  'worthy  of  double  honour.'  Where 
ministers  and  people  unite  in  faith  and  zeal — in  holiness  and 
prayer,  the  Lord's  work  will  prosper  in  their  hands." 

"  On  the  26th  I  reached  Guilford,  and  the  next  day  which  was 
the  second  Sunday  after  Trinity,  assisted  by  my  Reverend  breth- 


250  JOURJfAL-1824. 

ren,  Bronson,  Strong,  Chase  and  Jones,  admitted  the  Rev,  Samuel 
B.  Shaw,  Deacon,  to  the  Order  of  the  Priesthood,  he  having  a 
title  from  that  parish.  The  services  were  such  as  are  usual  on  the 
like  occasions.  A  few  only  were  confirmed;  but  a  large  congrega- 
tion appeared  to  'rejoice  in  the  Lord,'  and  many  of  them,  it  was 
hoped,  were  'filled  with  good  things.'  " 

"  On  the  8th  of  August  I  held  a  confirmation  in  Newport  and 
also  an  ordination,  when  Joseph  S.  Covell  was  admitted  to  the 
Order  of  Deacons.  The  day  following  that  of  his  ordination,  Mr. 
Covell  set  oflf  for  Vermont,  where  I  suppose  he  has  since  officiated. 
On  the  15th  of  the  same  month  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  M.  D.  was 
ordained.  Deacon." 

"The  Candidates  admitted  in  the  course  of  the  year,  are  Thomas 
S.  W.  Mott,  Carolus  C.  Brainard,  Southerland  Douglass  and  Louis 
M'Donald." 

"  The  whole  number  confirmed  in  the  year  is  552." 

"  Let  us  carefully  endeavor  to  cultivate  peace  among  ourselves. 
It  is  when  cemented  together  as  a  band  of  brethren ;  when,  ban- 
ishing pride  and  selfishness,  all  mean  and  narrow  views,  we  are 
firmly  united  in  whatever  shall  honour  our  Divine  Master,  and  pro- 
mote true  religion,  that  we  may  hope  for  God's  blessing.  Did  we 
possess  that  Christian  love,  which  ought  to  glow  in  our  breasts, 
what  would  exceed  the  pleasure  which  we  should  feel  in  conversing 
together  on  these  very  interesting  occasions  !  In  all  our  delibera- 
tions and  intercourse,  at  the  present  time  and  on  all  occasions,  let 
us  follow  after  the  things  which  make  for  peace.  Let  nothing  like 
party  spirit  be  found  amongst  us.  In  order  to  exclude  so  baneful 
an  evil,  let  us  be  very  cautious  how  we  use  invidious  epethets  and 
distinctive  appellations  which  engender  strife.  Let  all  be  orthodox 
and  all  be  evangelical." 

"  May  the  Lord  be  with  us,  and  so  inspire  our  counsels  with 
wisdom,  and  unite  our  hearts  in  love,  that  both  now  and  ever,  we 
may  do  His  will  and  promote  His  glory."  Gospel  Advocate,  vol.  v, 
pp.  113—119,  150—152,  181—187. 


The  subject  of  Church  property  was  this  year  brought  before 
the  Legislature  by  Governor  Van  Ness  in  his  inaugural  Speech, 
and  received  much  attention. 


JO  VRKAL-1 82  Jf.  25 1 

<'  Under  the  Tlesoliition  respecting  the  rights  of  land  originally- 
granted  to  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  For- 
eign Parts,  a  correspondence  lias  taken  place  with  the  Hon.  Dan- 
iel Webster,  the  counsel  employed  o'l  behalf  of  the  State  to  de- 
fend the  suit  against  the  town  of  New-Haven,  for  one  of  those 
rights,  which  will  without  delay  be  laid  before  you.  "  Journal, 
1824,  p.  14. 


November  1st,  the  following  communication  was  received  in 
the  House  from  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  viz, 

"MONTPELIER,  XOV.   1.  1824. 

Sir,  —  I  herewith  communicate  to  the  General  Assembly,  cop- 
ies of  the  correspondence  with  the  Hon.  Daniel  Webster,  on  the 
subject  of  the  land  granted  to  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of 
the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts.  I  will  also  state  for  the  information 
of  the  members,  that  the  sum  of  nine  hundred  dollars  has,  at  dif- 
ferent times,  been  appropriated  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  suit 
against  the  town  of  New-Haven ;  and  that  of  this  sum,  Mr.  Ed- 
mond,  the  late  agent  of  the  State,  has  drawn  from  the  Treasury, 
six  hundred  and  fifty  dollars;  four  hundred  dollars  of  which  have 
been  paid  to  Mr.  Webster,  and  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  re- 
tained by  him.  I  find  that  two  hundred  Dollars  were  paid,  by 
agreement,  for  the  services  of  Mr.  Webster,  in  attending  the 
Circuit  Court  at  Windsor,  in  May,  1820  ;  and  that  he  has  received 
the  same  amount  towards  his  fees  for  arguing  the  cause  before 
the  Supreme  Court  at  Washington. 

The  amount  which  Mr.  Webster  still  seems  to  consider  his  due, 
is  three  hundred  dollars ;  and  the  sum  remaining  in  the  Treasury 
is  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

C.  P.  VAN  NESS. 
The  Hon.  George  E.  Wales, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives." 

The  documents  accompanying  the  above  are  as  follows : — 


252  JOUEJ^AL-1824. 

"  Vermont  Executive  Department, 
Burlington,  July  24,  1824. 

Sir,  — I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  to  you  a  copy  of  a  Resolu- 
tion passed  by  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  in  relation  to  the 
lands  originally  granted  to  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  and  to  request  that  you  will  have  the 
goodness  to  communicate  to  me  your  opinion  on  the  question  pro- 
posed therein,  as  soon  as  your  convenience  will  permit.  It  is  im- 
portant for  the  State  to  ascertain,  whether  any  further  steps  can 
be  taken  to  defend,  what  it  believes  to  be  its  rights,  or  whether 
by  the  decision  which  has  been  made,  it  is  precluded  from  any 
further  defence. 

Your  absence  from  home,  during  almost  the  whole  time  since 
the  last  session  of  our  Legislature,  has  been  the  cause  of  my  not 
writing  to  you  sooner  on  this  subject. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be. 

Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant. 

C.  P.  VAN  NESS. 

Hon.  Daniel  Webster. 

"Boston,  July  31st,  1824. 

Sir, — I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
letter,  of  the  24th  of  this  month,  enclosing  a  copy  of  a  Resolution, 
passed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  Vermont,  in  October  last,  re- 
questing you  to  make  satisfactory  inquiry  of  the  counsel,  employed 
to  defend  the  suit  against  New  Haven,  etc.  to  ascertain  the  true 
situation  of  the  rights  of  land,  originally  granted  to  the  Society 
for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts. 

You  request  of  me  my  opinion  on  this  question ;  but  the  ques- 
tion is  80  general,  that  I  cannot  well  understand  what  is  requested. 
The  decision  of  the  Court  has  been  published,  and  is  no  doubt,  in 
the  hands  of  the  Assembly.  I  have  no  means  of  knowing  the 
opinions  of  the  Judges,  farther  than  that  decision  contains,  except 
some  slight  and  occasional  remarks,  by  some  of  them,  such  as 
would  not  authorize  any  important  conclusion  to  be  drawn.  If 
there  be  any  question,  of  a  more  precise  nature,  in  regard  to 
which  I  can  give  any  information,  I  shall  have  great  pleasure  in 
complying  with  your  wishes. 


JO  VBKAL—1 824.  253 

I  take  this  occasion  to  say,  that  my  last  sundry  letters  to  the 
Agent  of  the  State,  on  the  subject  of  this  question,  were  none  of 
them  favoured  with  an  answer. 

I  am,  Sir,  with  very  great  regard, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 
His  Excellency,  C.  P.  Van  Ness." 

"Vermont  Executive  Department, 
Burlington,  Sept.  18,  1824. 

Sir  : — Your  letter  of  the  31st  of  July,  in  answer  to  mine  of  the 
24th  of  the  same  month,  was  received  some  time  since,  and 
would  have  been  before  replied  to,  but  for  the  delay  occasioned  in 
obtaining  from  the  representatives  of  the  late  Mr.  Edmond  the 
letters  to  which  you  allude,  as  not  having  been  answered,  and 
which  I  wished  to  see  before  writing  you  again. 

The  Resolution  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  a  copy  of 
which  was  forwarded  to  you,  in  my  first  letter,  requires  that 
inquiry  be  made,  as  to  'the  true  situation'  of  the  rights  of  land  in 
question,  and  also,  'whether  the  decision  which  has  been  made, 
settles  the  title  to  said  rights  in  every  respect.'  And  I  observed 
that  it  was  important  for  the  State  to  ascertain,  whether  any  fur- 
ther steps  can  be  taken  to  defend  what  it  believes  to  be  its  right, 
or  whether  by  the  decision  which  has  been  made,  it  is  precluded 
from  any  further  defence. 

The  particular  object  of  my  communication  was  to  ascertain 
whether  in  your  opinion,  the  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court,  con-' 
clusively  settled  the  principle,  in  relation  to  all  those  rights  of 
land ;  or  whether  you  could  suggest  any  question,  which  had  not 
been  raised  in  the  cause  which  has  been  tried,  and  on  which  you 
should  think  the  State  could  place  sufficient  reliance,  to  justify  the 
defence  of  another  suit  for  a  different  right.  Not  being  aware, 
Sir,  that  I  can  propose  any  question  'of  a  more  precise  nature,'  I 
hope  you  will  consider  the  inquiry,  with  this  explanation,  suffi- 
ciently definite,  to  admit  of  your  favoring  me  with  an  answer 
thereto. 

I  would  likewise  request  that  you  would  have  the  goodness  to 
forward  to  me  your  account  against  the  State,  that  measures  may 


254  JOLRJ^AL~1824- 

be  taken  for  the  payment  of  any  balance  that  may  remain  due  to 
you.  The  State  having  made,  what  it  understood  to  be,  the  neces- 
sary appropriation,  your  claim  was  supposed  to  have  been  paid, 
until  by  an  examination  of  your  correspondence  with  Mr.  Edmond, 
the  fact  appears  otherwise. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be. 

Very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

C.  p.  VAN  NESS. 
Hon.  Daniel  Webster." 

"Vermont  Executive  Department, 
MONTPELIER,  Oct.  20th,  1824. 
Sir  :  —  As  the  session  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State  commen- 
ced, some  days  since,  I  beg  leave  to  request  that  you  will  have 
the  goodness  to  favour  me  with  an  answer  to  my  last  letter  as 
soon  as  practicable, 

I  am,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

C.  P.  VAN  NESS. 
Hon.  Daniel  Webster." 

"Boston,  October  26,  1824, 
Sir  :  —  I   am   afraid   that  I   cannot  make   any   suggestions,   at 
present,  which  would  be  essentially  useful  to  the  Legislature  of 
Vermont,  respecting  the  glebe  lands.    What  the  Court  has  decided 
appears  from  the  case,  as  do  also  the  grounds  of  that  decision. 

It  is  now  some  time  since  the  case  was  argued,  and  my  atten- 
tion has  not  been  particularly  called  back  to  it,  until  your  com- 
munications. I  wrote  the  former  agent  frequently  without  receiv- 
ing any  answer. 

LTpon  reviewing  the  case,  I  do  not  find  myself  able  to  suggest 
any  particular  course,  for  which  I  would  be  responsible.  Since 
the  receipt  of  your  letter,  a  month  or  two  ago,  I  have  not  had 
sufficient  leisure  to  consider  the  case  maturely,  and  as  it  ought  to 
be  considered.  My  health  has  not  been  good,  and  I  have  spent 
much  of  the  time,  since  my  return  from  Washington,  in  travelling 
for  its  improvement.  My  general  impression  has  been,  that  the 
State  might  adopt  some  mode,  to  assert  its  own  right  over  the 


JOURJfAL-1824.  255 

lands,  or  to  control  those  who  hold  it.  But  what  this  mode  should 
be,  requires,  to  confess  the  truth,  more  consideration  than  I  have 
given  the  case. 

The  general  idea  which  I  entertain,  is,  that  it  is  competent  for 
the  State  authority  to  try  the  question  of  forfeiture,  for  abuse,  or 
non-user,  or  for  any  other  sufficient  cause,  and  to  pronounce  a 
judgment  of  forfeiture. 

As  to  my  account,  the  arrangement  made,  was,  that  I  was  to 
receive  five  hundred  dollars  for  attending  to  the  cause  at  Wash- 
ington. I  received  either  two  hundred  or  three  hundred  dollars, 
(I  think  the  former,  my  receipt  will  show,)  and  although  I  believe 
I  wrote  for  the  rest,  it  was  not  sent.  For  the  present  I  would 
not  wish  the  balance  sent  to  me. 

I  shall  endeavour  to  keep  this  subject  in  my  mind,  and  if  any 
of  your  friends  should  be  this  way,   before  I  go  south,  I  will 
cheerfully  give  a  day  to  a  consideration  on  this  subject. 
Yours,  with  very  true  regard, 

DANIEL  WEBSTER. 
His  Excellency  0.  P.  Van  Ness. 

Governor  of  Vermont." 


The  foregoing  letters  being  read,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Stephen 
Haight,  Monkton,  they  were  referred  to  a  Committee  of  four 
members  of  the  House  to  join  such  committee  as  the  Council 
should  appoint. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  on  the  part  of  the 
House :  Titus  Hutchinson,  Woodstock,  Heman  Allen,  Milton, 
Stuart  Brown,  Washington,  and  Wolcott  H.  Keeler,  Chittenden. 
Journal,  1824,  pp.  108—110,  117. 

Nov.  17th,  This  Committee  made  the  following  report : 
"To  THE  General  Assembly  now  sitting  : 

Your  Committee  to  whom  "was  referred  the  communication  of 
his  Excellency,  accompanying  certain  communications  from  the 
Hon.  Daniel  Webster,  concerning  the  rights  of  land,  in  this  State, 
heretofore  granted  to  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gos- 
pel in  Foreign  Parts,  respectfully  recommend  the  passing  of  the  two 
accompanying  Bills,  marked  A  and  B. 

C.  LANGDON,  Chairman." 


256  JO  UB.YAL~1 824. 

These  two  Bills — tlie  first  entitled  "  An  Act,  in  addition  to  an 
act  directing  the  mode  of  taking  forfeitures  of  grants  and  charters," 
and  the  second  entitled,  "  An  Act,  appointing  an  Agent  for  certain 
purposes,"  had  at  once  the  first  and  second  reading,  and,  daring 
the  next  day,  passed  through  the  usual  stages  without  opposition. 
Journal,  1824,  pp.  209,  218,  224,  225,  230. 

The  "Act  in  addition  to  an  act  directing  the  mode  of  taking 
forfeitures  of  grants  and  charters,"  specially  designed  to  aff"ect  the 
Society  lands,  was  the  following : 

"/((  is  herely  enacted  hy  the  General  Assemhhj  of  the  State  of 
Vermont^  That  the  provisions  of  the  act  aforesaid,  shall,  hereafter 
extend  to  all  cases  whatever  relating  to  charters  or  grants  of  land 
lying  in  this  State."  Passed  Nov.  18,  1824.  Acts  of  the  Legis- 
lature of  Vermont,  1824,  p.  26. 

The  "  Act,  appointing  an  Agent  for  certain  purposes,"  was  the 
following : 

"/^  is  hereby  enacted  hy  the  General  Assemhly  of  the  State  of 
Vermont^  That  Titus  Hutchinson  be  and  hereby  is  appointed  an 
Agent,  with  full  powers  to  ascertain  necessary  facts,  and  procure 
necessary  papers,  to  show  the  right  this  State  has  to  take  the 
forfeiture  of  the  grants  of  the  several  rights  of  land  in  this  State, 
originally  granted  to  the  Society  in  England  for  the  Propagation 
of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts ;  and  if  he  shall  conceive  there  is  a 
fair  prospect  of  obtaining  a  decree  of  forfeiture  of  their  rights,  to 
commence  and  prosecute  a  scire  facias  for  some  one  right  of  said 
land,  in  the  name  of  the  people  of  this  State  and  prosecute  the 
same  to  final  judgment:  and  a  sum,  not  exceeding  the  sum  of  one 
thousand  dollars,  is  hereby  appropriated  to  defray  the  expenditures 
of  the  same ;  and  the  said  Agent  may  draw  upon  the  Treasurer 
from  time  to  time,  for  the  same,  as  may  be  necessary."  Passed 
Nov.  18,  1824;     Acts  of  the  Legislature  of  Vermont,  1824,  p.  32. 

On  the  same  day  that  the  foregoing  Acts  were  passed,  the 
following  Resolution,  introduced  by  Mr.  Stephen  Haight,  Monkton, 
was  also  passed : 

"  Resolved,  The  Governor  and  Council  concurring  herein.  That 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  be  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  and 
requested  to  appoint  some  suitable  person  to  settle  with  the  admin- 


JOURMAL-1825.  257 

isirator  of  David  Edmond  Esq.  deceased,  late  Agent  of  this  State 
in  the  suit  in  favor  of  the  Society  for  propagating  the  Gospel  in 
Foreign  Parts  against  the  town  of  New-Haven ;  and  to  settle  with 
the  Hon.  Daniel  Webster,  counsel  in  said  cause;  and  the  Treasurer 
of  this  State  is  directed  to  pay  said  Agent  the  balance  of  the 
appropriation  heretofore  made  for  that  purpose :  and  the  Agent, 
so  to  be  appointed  is  hereby  directed  to  make  report  of  his  doings, 
in  the  premises,  to  the  next  session  of  the  Legislature."  Journal, 
182i,  pp.  225,  230. 


1825. 

Wednesday,  June  23d,  1825. 
This  being  the  day  designated,  by  the  Constitution,  for 
the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  Vermont,  a  number  of  the  Clergy  and 
Lay  Delegates,  from  several  of  the  Parishes  in  the  State, 
assembled  at  St.  Albans,  at  9  o'clock,  a.  m. 

Present : 
The  Rev.  Abkaham  Bronson,  Rector  of  Bethel  and  Bethes- 
da  Churches,  Arlington,  and  Zion  Church,  Manchestei- . 
The  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rector  of  Immanuel  Church, 

Bellows  Falls. 
The  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Shelhurn. 
The  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Covell,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Union 

Church,  St.  Albans. 
The  Rev.  Benjamin   B.  Smith,   Rector  of  St.  Stephen's 

Church,  Middlebury. 

The  following  gentlemen  presented  their  Credentials  and 
took  their  seats  as  Lay  Delegates  : 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL  : 

Thos.  p.  RUSSELL3  Oliver  Gleason. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  FOULTNEY  : 
Abijah  Williams. 


258  JO  URJfAL-1 825. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY: 

.    George  Cleveland. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURN : 

Joshua  Isham,  Truman  Palmer. 

Asa  Lyon,  2d. 

UNION   CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS: 

John  Kichardson,  Samuel  A.  Wilkins. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD : 

Nathan  Lobdell,  John  Hendrick, 

Abijah  Hawley,  Ezra  Sturges. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON: 

Daniel  Smith,  Luke  Dewing. 

CALVARY  CHURCH,  BERKSHIRE  : 

Amherst  Willoughby. 

CHURCH,  ENOSBURGH: 


William  Barber. 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY ; 

RoswELL  Catlin,  Rufus  Smith. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  chosen  President,  and 
the  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Secretary. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  Resolved,  That  Clergy- 
men of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  and  Candidates 
for  Holy  Orders  in  the  same,  attending  upon  this  Conven- 
tion, who  are  not  members  thereof,  be  admitted  to  honorary 
seats  therein. 

The  Rev.  John  J.  Robertson,  Professor  of  Languages  in 
the  University  of  Vermont,  and  Mr.  John  Bristed,  a  Can- 
didate for  Holy  Orders  in  this  Diocese,  appeared  and  took 
their  seats. 

On  motion  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  a 
Committee,  consisting  of  three  persons,  be  appointed,  to 
confer  with  the  Trustees,  of  the  Church  lands  in  this  State, 


JOURJ^AL-1825.  259 

or  such  of  thera  as  may  be  present,  and  make  such  report, 
to  this  Convention,  as  they  shall  deem  expedient. 

Whereupon  the  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  a 
'Committee  :  William  Barber,  Amherst  Willoughby  and 
Samuel  A.  Wilkins. 

On  motion  by  Mr.  S.  A.  Wilkins,  Resolved,  That  two 
Clergymen  be  added  to  the  Committee  last  appointed. 
Upon  which  resolution,  the  Rev.  Carlton  Chase  and  Rev. 
Benj.  B.  Smith  were  appointed  members  of  said  Committee. 

Adjourned  for  the  purpose  of  attending  Divine  Service. 

Morning  prayer  was  read  by  Rev.  Joel  Clap  and  a  Ser- 
mon delivered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson,  by  whom  the  Holy 
Communion  was  administered,  after  which  the  Convention 
adjourned  until  half  past  3  o'clock  this  evening. 

Wednesday,  half  past  3  o'clock,  p.  m. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

On  motion  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  in  the 
case  of  parishes,  destitute  of  ofQciaiing  Clergymen,  the 
Wardens  be  requested  to  report,  annually  to  this  Conven- 
tion, the  number  of  Baptisms,  Marriages  and  Funerals, 
which  may  have  taken  place  in  the  same  ;  also  the  number 
of  Communicants,  and  to  state  any  other  matters,  which 
may  tend  to  throw  light  on  the  state  and  prospects  of  the 
same. 

The  following  Parochial  Reports  were  then  presented  and 
read  : 

BETHEL  AND  BETHESDA  CHURCHES,  ARLINGTON. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  2,  children  5)  —  7  ;  Marriages,  5  ;  Funerals,  7  ; 
Communicants,  85. 

In  this  Parish,  besides  a  regular  Lecture  on  Sunday  evening, 
the  Rector  has,  for  the  winter  past,  statedly  employed  four  eve- 
nings in  each  week  in  explaining  the  Scriptures  to  the  youth,  and 
such  as  chose   to  attend,  and  has  become  so   convinced  of  the 


260  JOUEMAL-1825. 

usefulness  of  the  exercise,  that  he  intends  resuming  it  again,  when 
the  evenings  shall  be  of  sufficient  length, 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults)  2j  Marriages  1 ;  Funerals  3;  Communicants,  35. 

In  this  Parish  are  a  few  Sunday  Scholars,  and  during  the  past 
winter,  evening  Lectures  have  been  held,  about  once  a  week,  for 
explaining  the  Scriptures.  In  order  to  induce  a  more  full  attend- 
ance at  these  Lectures,  as  well  as  to  diffuse  useful  information, 
a  large  stock  of  religious  tracts  was  procured,  which  were  distrib- 
uted among  the  youth,  to  be  returned  at  the  next  appointment 
and  distributed  again.  Some  measures  of  this  kind,  it  is  appre- 
hended, might  be  useful  in  each  of  our  Churches. 

ST.  MATTHEW'S  CHURCH,  SANDGATE. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  VISITING  MINISTER. 

Communicants,  3L 

In  this  town  there  is  a  large  field  for  usefulness,  as  a  considera- 
ble portion  of  the  people  are  friendly  to  the  Church,  and  there 
is  no  resident  preacher  of  any  kind. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS. 

CARLTON  CHASE,  RECTOR. 

Since  the  last  report,  two  years  ago,  there  have  been  baptized, 
(adults  2,  children  14)  — 16;  Marriages,  2  ;  Deaths,  4;  Commu- 
nicants, 30.  Whole  number  of  families  within  the  parish  limits,  40. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD. 

S.  BRENTON  SHAW,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  2,  children  24)  —  26  ;  Marriages,  4 ;  Burials 
(adults  8,  children  7  )  —  15  ;  Births,  19  ;  Communicants,  (added 
7,  died  2,  removed  2)  —  49  ;  Families  that  attend  Church,  about 
90  ;    Sunday  Scholars  (in  East  Parish  50,  West  Parish  25)  —  75. 


JO  VRKAL-1 825.  261 

The  condition  of  the  Church  in  this  town,  has  experienced  no 
essential  change  since  the  last  report,  if  we  may  except  a  more 
general  attendance  of  the  people  upon  the  Sabbath.  Planted  in 
the  midst  of  the  most  inveterate  opposition,  she  has  to  contend 
with  numerous  and  powerful  obstacles,  but,  amidst  all  her  diffi- 
culties, has  gradually  increased  in  numbers  and  importance.  And, 
while  very  perceptible  additions  have  been  yearly  made  to  those 
who  worship  at  her  altar,  we  trust  that  she  has  also  "grown  in  grace 
and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ." 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY. 

B.  B.  SMITH,  RECTOR. 

The  resources  and  prospects  of  this  Parish,  have  been  blighted, 
in  an  uncommon  degree,  by  the  removal  of  several  valuable  and 
excellent  families  to  a  distance,  and  by  the  death  of  the  late 
Daniel  Henshaw,  Esq.,  one  of  its  confirmed  and  zealous  friends 
and  supporters.  The  depression  of  these  deplored  and  afflictive 
visitations,  is  alleviated,  not  by  the  positive  accession  of  numbers 
and  resources,  but  merely,  though  to  a  very  cheering  extent,  by 
the  visible  increase  of  the  congregation,  and  the  exhibition  of 
candour  and  kind  feeling  towards  the  Church.  Could  we  only 
have  the  happiness  of  possessing  a  large  and  commodious  edifice 
for  public  worship,  it  can  scarcely  be  questioned  that  the  Parish 
would  greatly  increase.  And  the  erection  of  such  an  house,  is  an 
object  nearly  as  interesting  to  the  Church  generally,  as  to  the 
Parish  in  particular.  The  visible  increase  of  parochial  calls  and 
duties,  will  be  manifest  by  comparing  with  former  reports,  the  fol- 
lowing details  of  the  annual  reports,  from  the  Parish  Register. 

Baptisms,  9, — of  which  one  was  an  adult ;  Funerals,  8  ;  Mar- 
riages, 4 ;  Communicants  ( 3  added,  removed  and  deceased  6) — 
35;  Families,  30 ;  Sunday  Scholars,  35. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURN. 

JOEL  CLAP, RECTOR. 

Nothing  of  peculiar  interest,  has  transpired,  during  the  past 
year,  in  relation  to  this  Parish.  The  number  of  Communicants 
has  gradually  increased,  and  although  we  have  much  reason  to 


262  JOTJRKAL-1825. 

take  up  the  lamentation  of  the  prophet,  "  who  hath  believed  our 
report,"  still  in  humble  dependence  upon  the  blessing  of  God, 
upon  the  appointed  means  of  grace,  we  look  forward  in  earnest 
expectation  for  the  increasing  prosperity  of  this  portion  of  His 
Church. 

Baptisms  (adults  9,  infants  1)  —  10;  Marriages,  4;  Funerals,  4; 
Communicants,  83. 

CALVARY  CHURCH,  BERKSHIRE. 
Baptisms,  4  ;  Marriages,  1 ;   Communicants,  31. 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY. 

Baptisms  (adults  1,  infants  2)  —  3;  Marriages,  3;  Communi- 
cants, 32. 

CHURCH  IN  ENOSBURGH. 
Communicants,  10. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL. 

JOEL   CLAP,  MISSIONARY. 

Baptisms  (adults  1,  infants  9  )  —  10  ;   Communicants,  68. 

In  each  of  these  Parishes,  excepting  Enosburgh,  the  under- 
signed has  officiated,  during  the  past  year,  one  Sunday  in  each 
two  months.  That  under  such  circumstances,  they  should  have 
experienced  any  material  increase  could  not  have  been  reasonably 
expected  ;  still  we  have  reason  to  bless  God,  that  amid  all  the 
discouragement,  resulting  from  a  protracted  painful  deprivation  of 
the  regular  ministrations  of  the  Word  and  Sacraments  of  the  Gos- 
pel, He  has  been  graciously  pleased  to  preserve  them  from 
declension. 

With  undiminished  anxiety  they  are  looking,  as  we  trust,  both 
to  the  Ecclesiastical  Authority  in  this  Diocese,  and  to  the  Great 
Head  of  the  Church,  for  a  provision  for  their  spiritual  hunger  and 
thirst  for  the  ordinances  and  the  graces  of  the  Gospel. 

A  very  cheering  evidence  of  increasing  zeal  in  the  service  of 
God  is  exhibited  in  the  recent  organization  of  a  Female  Auxiliary 
Missionary  Society  in  the  Parish  of  Christ  Church,  Bethel,  which 
has  already  contributed  liberally  to  the  funds  of  the  Parent  Society. 


JOUEJfAL-1825.  263 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.   ALBANS. 

JOSEPH  S.    COVELL,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  (1  infant  and  one  adult),  2;  Funerals,  2;  Communi- 
cants (added  2),  17  ;   Families,  12. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

JOSEPH  S.  COVELL,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  (infants),  2  ;  Funerals,  2  ;  Communicants  (removed  4), 
42 ;  Families,  27. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  SWANTON. 

JOSEPH   S.  COVELL,  MINISTER. 

Communicants,  5  ;   Families,  8. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD. 
Communicants,  69  ;  Deaths,  2. 

Mr.  William  Barber,  in  behalf  of  the  Committee,  which 
was  appointed  this  morning,  to  confer  with  "the  Trustees 
of  the  Church  lands  in  this  State,"  submitted  the  following 
resolution,  which  was  adopted  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Prudential  Committee  annually  ap- 
pointed by  this  Convention,  be  directed,  and  they  are  hereby 
directed,  to  inquire  into  and  report,  at  the  next  succeeding 
annual  Convention,  the  state  of  the  pecuniary  affairs  of  the" 
Church  in  this  State.  And  that  said  Committee  be  and 
are  hereby  directed,  to  confer  with  the  general  agents  of  the 
Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Grospel  in  Foreign  Parts, 
in  relation  to  the  funds  or  monies,  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Church,  arising  from  the  rents  of  land  in  this  State  belong- 
ing to  said  Society,  and  that  the  said  Agents  be  and  are 
hereby  requested  to  permit  said  Committee  to  have,  at  all 
reasonable  times,  access  to  their  Secretary's  and  Treasurer's 
bookSj  to  obtain  such  information  as  may  be  thought  useful 


264  JO  URKAL-1 825. 

to  them  in  making  a  report  of  the  general  State  of  the  affairs 
of  said  Church. 

The  Rev,  Mr.  Smith  in  behalf  of  the  Committee  appointed 
by  the  last  Convention,  to  report  to  this  Convention,  "  the 
expediency  of  establishing  a  Contingent  Fund  to  be  at  the 
disposal  of  this  Convention,  and  the  best  mode  of  raising 
and  proportioning  said  Fund,  presented  the  following  report : 

The  Committee  beg  leave  to  report,  that  they  have  care- 
fully considered  the  importance  and  expediency  of  providing 
a  contingent  fund,  for  defraying  the  expense  of  delegates  to 
the  different  Conventions,  and  also  the  best  way  of  appor- 
tioning and  raising  the  said  fund.  The  narrowness  of  our 
pecuniary  means,  and  the  number  of  Conventions,  attendance 
upon  which  is  to  be  provided  for,  suggested  at  the  outset,  a 
very  formidable  difficulty.  They  presumed  however,  that 
this  Convention  would  not,  at  present,  attempt  to  provide 
for  the  expenses,  either  of  the  State,  or  Diocesan  Convention, 
but  will  feel  reluctantly  constrained  to  leave  the  former  to  be 
borne,  as  heretofore,  by  the  respective  delegates  in  atten- 
dance, and  the  latter,  by  the  parishes  whose  Clergy  or  Lay 
Delegates  may  consider  it  expedient  or  necessary  to  attend. 
Your  Committee  in  their  report,  have  respect  therefore 
simply  to  a  provision  for  defraying  the  expenses  of  delegates 
to  the  General  Convention. 

As  to  the  propriety  and  importance  of  such  an  arrangement 
it  is  scarcely  credible  that  difference  of  opinion  can  exist. 
The  vast  importance  of  the  acts  of  the  General  Convention — 
the  operation  which  they  have  upon  the  remotest  States  in  the 
Union,  and  the  differences  of  local  feeling  and  circumstances, 
render  it  perfectly  indispensable  that  every  portion  of  the 
Church  should  be  duly  represented.  Yet  of  the  delegation  from 
this  State,  it  is  well  known  that  an  exceeding  small  propor- 
tion has  hitherto  had,  or  is  likely  hereafter  to  have,  the 
means  of  bearing  for  themselves  the  expenses  of  attendance. 
Upon  the  Clergy  it  is  a  tax,  exceedingly  disproportioned  to 


JOURMAL-1825.  265 

their  salaries,  and  upon  the  Laity,  a  contribution  justly 
considered  too  oppressive.  If  it  is  any  way  important, 
therefore,  that  this  portion  of  the  Church  should  be  consti- 
tutionally represented,  it  becomes  necessary,  and  is  indeed 
the  dictate  of  common  justice,  to  provide  for  defraying  the 
expenses  of  the  delegates.  Other  States  have  acted  under 
the  influence  of  these  sentiments  of  justice  and  propriety,- 
and  have  generously  provided  in  such  wise  for  the  attendance 
of  their  delegates,  that  it  is  never  deficient  on  pecuniary 
accounts. 

The  expediency  of  adopting  immediate  measures  for  ef- 
fecting this  reasonable  and  important  object,  has  appeared 
to  your  Committee,  a  flir  more  difficult  point  to  decide. 
The  general  interests  of  the  Church,  and  all  our  external 
relations,  point  out  its  high  expediency.  But  reasons  with- 
in ourselves  are  by  no  means  as  convincing.  As  yet  we 
are  scarcely  able  to  provide  for  the  unavoidable  expenses 
of  our  local  transactions.  Whilst,  therefore,  the  general 
councils  of  the  Church  are  as  well  attended,  and  their  de- 
liberations as  wisely  conducted,  as  at  present,  why  should 
we  be  anxious  to  incur  expense  for  the  sake  of  bearing  an 
unnecessary  and  responsible  part  in  them.?  When  the  at- 
tendance of  our  delegation  becomes  indispensable,  it  may  be 
said,  it  will  be  time  enough  to  levy  contributions  upon  our 
infant  Parishes,  to  defray  their  expenses. 

Yet  it  has  appeared  to  your  Committee  so  important 
that  our  representation  should  be  somewhat  proportionate, 
and  so  very  desirable  to  organize  all  our  internal  arrange- 
ments against  the  occurrence  of  possible  and  great  exigences, 
that  they  beg  leave  to  report  favourably  upon  the  expedi- 
ency of  commencing  immediately  a  contingent  Fund. 

The  ways  and  means  of  apportioning  and  raising  the 
fund,  present,  after  all,  the  most  formidable  difficulties. 
Shall  it  be  raised  b}'  equal  assessments  upon  the  Parishes  ? 
This  will  bear  with  undue  severity  upon  the  smaller  and 
poorer  Parishes.     Shall  we  endeavor  to  apportion  it  accor- 


266  JOVRMAL-1825. 

dino-  to  numbers  or  pecuniary  ability?  Who  shall  become 
assessors,  and  will  not  divisions  and  dissatisfactions  be 
promoted?  But  would  there  not  then  be  reason  to  fear  a 
deficiency?  Shall  the  assessment  be  enforced  by  penalties  ? 
What  have  we  that  we  can  inflict,  which  will  not  do  greater 
injury  to  the  Church  than  the  fund  will  benefit  it?  All 
these  difficulties,  and  many  more,  have  occurred  to  your 
Committee.  No  course  can  avoid  them  all.  In  the  reso- 
lii'tions  which  they  have  drawn  up  and  with  which  this  re- 
port will  be  closed,  they  have  made  what  has  appeared  to 
them  the  most  cautious  and  judicious  selection  of  means, 
and  after  being  weighed  and  discussed  by  the  Convention,  it 
will  be  competent  in  that  body  to  determine  whether  these, 
or  others  in  their  stead,  shall  be  employed.  Some,  we  trust, 
it  will  not  fail  to  consider  indispensable. 

The  above  report  having  b  ^en  accepted,  and  the  resolu- 
tions with  which  it  was  concluded  having  undergone  several 
amendments,  they  were  adopted  as  follows  : 

Resolved,  That  immediate  measures  be  set  on  foot  for 
raising  a  Contingent  Fund,  primarily  for  the  purpose  of  de- 
fraying the  expenses  of  Delegates  to  General  Conven  tion. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  considered  the  duty  of  the  Clergy, 
or  Wardens  of  the  respective  Parishes,  on  some  Sunday  be- 
tween Easter  and  the  second  Sunday  in  June  annually,  to 
take  up  a  publick  contribution  to  constitute  said  fund. 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  of  Coiivention  be  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Fund,  which  shall  be  controuled  by  vote 
of  Convention  and  paid  over  by  order  of  its  President. 

Resolved,  That  the  surplus  monies  in  the  hands  of  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Fund,  may  be  disposed  of  by  vote  of  Con-, 
vention  for  other  necessary  or  benevolent  purposes,  than  for 
that  above  primarily  designated. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  elected  as  Standing  Com- 
mittee for  the  year  ensuing  : 


JOURjYAL-1825.  267 

Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rev.  Benj. 
B.  Smith,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  and  Rev.  Samuel  B.  Shaw. 

The  Rev,  Mr.  Bronson,  one  of  the  Agents  for  the  Society's 
Lands,  made  the  following  statement,  which  was  ordered  to 
be  entered  upon  the  Journals  of  this  Convention  : 

The  Agents  are,  as  yet,  unable  to  report  such  a  full  and 
minute  account  of  the  business  at  their  disposal,  as  was 
called  for  by  the  resolution  of  the  last  Convention,  Eight 
suits  are  now  in  Court  for  the  recovery  of  lands,  which  were 
expected  to  be  tried  at  the  last  term  ;  but,  in  consequence 
of  some  unexpected  difficulties,  they  are  all  continued.  A 
considerable  portion  of  the  lands,  probably  more  than  one 
third,  have  been  leased  and  are  now  bringing  rents,  to  the 
amount  of  something  more  than  one  thousand  dollars  a  year. 
The  Attornies'  charge,  for  carrying  the  first  cause  through 
the  Supreme  Court,  has  been  paid,  and  a  part  of  the  ex- 
penses of  the  present  suits.  The  Treasurer  of  the  Agents 
has  been  directed  to  pay  over  to  the  different  Parishes, 
which  are  supplied  with  Clergymen,  the  rents  arising  in 
their  respective  towns,  for  the  time  being  ;  and  it  is  hoped, 
that  each  Clergyman  may  receive  at  least  fifty  dollars  after 
the  next  meeting  of  the  Agents,  in  May  next.  At  that 
meeting  the  Agents  presume  they  shall  be  able  to  give  the 
Prudential  Committee  a  full  account  of  their  agency. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  next  annual  meeting  of 
the  Convention  be  held  at  Middlebury. 

The  Rev.  S.  Brenton  Shaw  was  appointed  to  preach  be- 
fore the  next  Convention,  and  the  Rev.  Carlton  Chase  was 
appointed  his  Substitute. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  then  elected  the  Pruden- 
tial Committee  :  Rev.  Benj.  B,  Smith,  Hon,  Duiley  Chase 
and  Hon.  Horatio  Seymour. 

The  following  Delegates  to  the  General  Convention  were 
appointed  :  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Benj.  B.  Smith, 
Rev.   Joel  Clap    and    Rev.   S.    Brenton    Shaw  —  Clerical  ; 


268  J0LRJ^J.L~1825. 

Daniel  Chipman,  Dudley  Chase,  Jonathan  H.  Hubbard  and 
Dana  Hyde — Laymen. 

The  Convention   adjourned  until  6    o'clock    to-morrow 
morning. 

Thursday,  June  23d,  6  o'clock  a.  m. 
The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 
On  motion,  Voted  that  the  Secretary  be  directed  to  pub- 
lish the  Journal  of  the  proceedings  of  this  Convention,  and 
to  defray  the  expense  of  the  same  from  the  Funds  of  the 
Convention. 
Adjourned,  without  day. 
A  true  Record. 

Attest, 

JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 


The  following  paragraphs  from  the  Address  of  Bishop  Grigwold 
to  the  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese,  delivered  in  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Boston,  September  28th,  1825,  are  here  appropriate. 

"Brethren  Beloved  and  Christian  Friends: 

Through  the  Lord's  patient  goodness,  we  are  advanced  another 
year  in  the  important  work  committed  to  our  hands.  The  view  of 
our  labours,  and  the  present  state  of  the  Diocese,  which  it  is  my 
duty  to  lay  before  you,  may  be  comprised  in  few  words  ;  for  my 
principal  journey  in  the  visitation  of  our  Churches  has,  for  several 
reasons  been  postponed  till  after  the  meeting  of  this  Convention.  A 
considerable  number  of  them,  however,  have  been  already  visited, 
and  a  very  few,  seventy-two  only,  have  been  confirmed.  Several 
of  our  Candidates  have  been  dismissed  to  other  parts  of  our 
country.  Those  admitted  during  the  year  are,  Robert  B.  Drane, 
Henry  H.  Oliver,  Joseph  H.  Coit,  Alexander  H.  Codwise,  More 
Bingham,  John  Bristed,  Jared  Rice,  Frederick  0.  R.  Green, 
Gustavus  A.  Dewitt,  and  Henry  Goodwin." 

"  Three  only,  George  Richardson,  Thomas  S.  W.  Mott,  and 
Daniel  L.  B.  Goodwin,  have  been  admitted  to  the  Order  of  Dea- 
cons ;  and   the  Rev.  Joseph  Muencher,  Benjamin  C.  Cutler  and 


JOUBJ^AL-1825.  269 

Theodore  Edson,  Deacons,  have  been  ordained  Priests.  The  Rev. 
Lot  Jones,  the  Rev.  Elijah  Brainard,  the  Rev.  Jasper  Adams  and 
the  Rev.  John  J.  Robertson  have  taken  letters  dismissory  from 
this  Diocese.  " 

*'  It  has  pleased  the  Father  of  Mercies  to  continue  His  blessing 
to  this  portion  of  His  people;  prosperity  has  generally  attended 
our  labours;  while  some  few  occurrences  of  an  unpleasant  nature 
remind  us  of  our  sins  and  dependence." 

"  There  is  a  propriety  in  my  observing,  generally,  that  few 
things  can  be  more  injurious  to  the  general  interests  of  religion, 
or  more  hurtful  to  our  Church  in  this  Diocese  particularly,  than 
exciting  sectional  prejudices,  and  undermining  that  confidence 
which  we  ought  to  have  in  all  our  Christian  brethren.  Hitherto, 
considering  that  we  are  thinly  scattered  ove'r  many  States,  the 
union  which  a  merciful  God  has  given  us,  has  beeu  very  remark- 
able, and  demands  our  daily  gratitude  and  praise.  Let  us  not 
inconsiderately  dash  such  a  cup  of  blessing  from  our  hands.  Let 
us  be  sure  that  others  have  sinned  against  God,  and  that  we  are 
called  to  be  their  accusers,  before  we  presume  to  cast  the  stone. 
Nothing  is  easier,  if  we  will  indulge  a  strong  propensity  of  corrupt 
nature,  from  a  difference  of  opinion  in  the  most  trivial  things, 
than  to  blow  up  the  devouring  flame  of  a  sectarian  spirit.  Al- 
ready are  heard  amongst  Episcopalians,  the  discordant  sounds  of 
party  distinctions,  which  every  friend  of  our  Church  should  ex- 
ercise his  utmost  prudence  to  oppose.  Jealousy  and  crimination 
are  the  fuel  which  most  fatally  feed  the  flame  of  discord,  and  are 
the  opposite  of  that  charity  which  'thinketh  no  evil.'  So  blessed 
are  the  fruits  of  'a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,'  we  scarce  need  be  told 
by  the  pen  of  inspiration,  that  it  'is  in  the  sight  of  God  of  great 
price.'  When  we  consider  further,  how  powerful  the  citadel  of 
the  Christian  faith  is  assailed,  needless  feuds  among  its  defenders 
would  seem  as  that  infatuation  which  is  the  harbinger  of  ruin." 

"  In  Vermont,  the  Church  has  still  powerful  obstacles  to  con- 
tend with ;  but  the  prospect  continues  to  brighten,  and  true 
religion,  we  trust,  to  increase.  Our  Clergy  are  becoming  more 
attentive  to  the  wants  of  that  part  of  the  Lord's  Vineyard.  But 
nine  years  ago,  there  was  not  a  Church  edifice  in  that  State, 
properly  ours.     Since,  there  have  been  seven  already  consecrated  ; 


270  JOURJfAL-1825. 

and  two  more — in  Sheldon  and  8t.  Albans — it  is  expected,  the 
Lord  permitting,  will,  within  a  few  days  be  added  to  their  number. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Covell  has  officiated  at  St.  Albans  daring  the 
most  of  the  year  last  past.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Olney  intends  soon  to 
leave  the  Church  in  Gardner  in  the  State  of  Maine.  With  plea- 
sure I  add,  that  in  several  parts  of  the  Diocese  are  missionary 
societies,  which  merit  much  praise." 

"  If  we  desire  the  blessing  of  God  ;  if  we  would  see  our  Churches 
increase  in  numbers  and  piety,  it  is  of  immense  importance  that 
the  forms  of  Religion  be  suitably  regarded  in  our  families.  Our 
children  should  not  only  be  early  dedicated  to  the  Lord  in  baptism, 
but  brought  up  in  His  nurture  and  admonition.  Family  Prayer, 
which  we  fear  is  much  neglected,  should  be  generally  performed. 
They  who  have  been  baptized,  should  never  forget  that  the  oath 
of  God  is  upon  them,  and  what  mercies  were  sealed  to  their  bene- 
fit 'by  the  washing  of  regeneration.'  And  they  should  desire  above 
all  things,  '  the  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost.'  By  a  serious  con- 
sideration of  the  nature  of  Baptism,  through  God's  blessing,  they 
may  be  prepared  for  Confirmation,  which  should  never  be  incon- 
siderately received,  nor  too  long  delayed.  Much  injury  has  been 
done  to  religion,  and  much  discredit  brought  upon  our  Church,  by 
admitting,  and  even  urging  to  Confirmation,  those  who  have  no 
true  repentance  or  faith,  nor  any  serious  regard  for  religion.  The 
ordinance  itself  which,  when  rightly  used,  is  of  inestimable  benefit, 
has,  in  consequence  of  this  laxity,  '  become  a  hissing  and  a  bye- 
word.'  No  one  need  be  told  that  Confirmation  is  a  voluntary 
ratification  of  the  baptismal  covenant,  and  is  considered  by  the 
.  Church  as  preparatory  to  the  Lord's  Supper.  Of  course,  what  is 
necessary  to  qualify  adults  for  Baptism  and  the  Eucharist,  is  also 
necessary  for  receiving  Confirmation." 

"The  best  we  can  do  towards  reforming  the  world,  is  to  reform 
ourselves ;  to  endeavour  more  and  more  to  be  and  do  whatever  God 
requires  of  those  who  would  be  saved  in  Christ  forever.  If  we 
have  the  spirit  of  Christ ;  if  we  indeed  possess  and  feel  that  love 
for  all  men,  which  He  so  positively  requires  of  His  disciples,  we 
shall  naturally  manifest  it  by  doing  good,  as  we  may  have  oppor- 
tunity, to  all  men,  and  especially  to  them  who  are  of  the  House- 
hold of  Faith."     Gospel  Advocate,  vol.  v,  pp.  346 — 355. 


JO  UEA'AL—l  825.  271 

The  following  comnuinication,  report  and  act  close  tip,  on  the 
part  of  the  State,  the  affair  of  New-Haven  and  VVilliani  Wheeler. 
"  In  Council  Chamber,  Montpelier,  Nov.  7,  1825. 
Sir:  —  I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  to  the  General  Assembly 
a  report  from  the  Agent  a[)pointed  under  a  resolution  of  the  last 
session,  to  settle  the  claims  of  the  Hon.  Daniel  Webster,  and  of 
the  estate  of  the  late  David  Edmond,  Esq.  against  this  State. 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Tub  Hon.  D.  A.  A.  Buck,  0.  P.   VAN  NESS. 

Speaker  of  the  General  Assembly." 

The  report  thus  transmitted  was  as  follows : 
"  To  His  Excellency  the  Governor  : — 

Sir  :  —  In  pursuance  of  my  appointment  as 
Agent  to  settle  with  the  administrators,  with  the  late  Agent  and 
with  the  counsel  for  this  State  in  the  suit  in  favour  of  '  The  Society 
for  propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  against  the  town  of 
New-Haven  and  William  Wheeler,  I  have  settled  with  the  adminis- 
trators of  David  Edmond,  Esq.  deceased,  and  found  a  balance  of 
TJiirty  Dollars  due  to  them. 

The  account  for  the  services  and  expenses  of  Mr.  Edmond  ac- 
companies this  communication. 

By  a  reference  to  the  correspondence  of  the  Hon.  Daniel  Web- 
ster, published  in  the  Journal  of  the  last  session  of  the  General 
Assembly,  it  appears  that  there  is  due  to  him,  as  counsel  in  said, 
suit,  the  sum  of  three  hundred  dollars. 

In  1819,  there  was  appropriated  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the 
above  named  suit,        %  (300.00 

In  1820,  there  was  a  further  appropriation  of      .     .     .      300.00 

Amounting  to  .     .     $  900.00 

The  account  of  Mr.  Edmond,  including  $  400  paid  to 

Mr.  Webster,  amounts  to $  680.00 

There  remains  due  to  Mr.  Webster, 3<»0.00 

Amounting  to     .     .     .   980.00 
From  which  deduct  appropriation, 900.00 

Leaves  abalance  of    ....  $80.00 
due  from  the  State,  above  the  amount  appropriated. 
I  am,  with  respect, 

Your  Excellency's  obedient  servant, 
Montpelier,  Nov.  7,  1825.  NORMAN  WILLIAMS. 


272  JO  VRKA  L-1 82  6. 

The  foregoing  report  having  been  read  was  referred  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  ways  and  means.  This  Committee  reported  the  following 
Bill  Nov.  15th,  which  became  a  law  Nov.  17.  1825. 

"'■It  is  herehy  enacted  ly  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of 
Vermont^  That  the  sum  of  eighty  dollars  is  hereby  appropriated  for 
the  purpose  of  discharging  the  balance  of  the  accounts  of  the  counsel 
for  the  State,  in  the  suit  in  favour  of  the  Society  for  Propagating  the 
Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts  against  the  town  of  New-Haven  and  William 
Wheeler,  which  sum,  together  with  the  balance  of  former  appro- 
priations, remaining  in  the  treasury,  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  is 
directed  to  pay  to  the  Agent  appointed  to  settle  with  the  counsel 
in  said  suit."      Journal  1825,  pp.  146,  202,  213. 

Acts  of  the  Legislature  1825,  pp.  34,  35. 


1826. 

MiDDLEBURY,  JuHG  28,  1826. 

This  being  the  day  designated  by  the  Constitution  of  the 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Vermont, 
for  the  annual  meeting  of  said  Convention,  the  Kight  Rev. 
Alexander  V.  Griswold,  Bishop  of  the  Eastern  Diocese,  a 
number  of  the  Clergy,  and  Lay  Delegates  from  several  Par- 
shes  in  the  State,  assembled  at  Middlebury,  at  9  o'clock,  A. 

Present : 
Right  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  D.  D.,  President  ex 

officio. 
Rev.  Moore  Bingham,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Grace  Church, 

Sheldon^  and  Trinity  Church,  Fairfield. 
Rev.  John  Bristed,  Deacon,  residing  in  Middlebury. 
Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rector  of  Bethel  and  Bethesda 

Churches,  Arlington,  and  Zion  Church,  Manchester. 
Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rector  of  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows 

Falls. 


JOUR^AL-1826.  ■  273 

Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rector  of  Triaity  Church,  Shelburn. 

Rev,  Louis  M'Donald,  Deacon,  Minister  of  the  Churches 
in  Rutland. 

Rev.  Sylvester  Nash,  Minister  of  Union  Church,  St.  Al- 
bans. 

Rev.  S.  Brenton  Shaw,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Guilford. 

Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church, 
Middlehury. 

The  following  gentlemen  presented  their  Credentials,  and 
took  their  seats  as  Lay  Delegates  : 

CALVARY  CHURCH,  BERKSHIRE: 
David  Coburn. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON: 

Luke  Dewing. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  SWANTON  : 

*Samuel  Hoffman. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS: 

Orange  Ferris. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURN: 

Joshua  Isham,  George  Clates, 

Truman  Palmer. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY  : 

Daniel  Chipman,  George  Cleaveland, 

Robert  B.  Bates. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL: 

Dudley  Chase,  Thomas  P.  Russell, 

Oliver  Gleason. 

ST.  JAMES"  CHURCH,  WOODSTOCK  : 
*RoYAL  Blake. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  RUTLAND: 

'"Jonathan  0.  Thrall. 

*  These  Paiishes  were  received  into  connection  with  the  Convention  at 
this  time. 


274  ■   JOURMAL-1826. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  PAWLET  : 

Daniel  Fitch. 

CHURCH,  ENOSBURGH: 

John  Frazer. 

Rev.  Joel  Clap  was  chosen  Secretary. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  Clergy- 
men of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and  candidates 
for  Holy  Orders  in  the  same,  attending  on  this  Conven- 
tion, who  are  not  membero  thereof,  be  admitted  to  honorary 
seats  therein  ; 

Whereupon,  Rev  George  Leonard,  Rev.  Palmer  Dyer  and 
Mr.  Jones,  a  candidate  for  Holy  Orders,  appeared  and  took 
their  seats. 

On  motion  by  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  a  Committee  of 
three  be  appointed,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  nominate  the 
Standing  and  Prudential  Committees  and  a  Delegation  to 
the  General  Convention,  and  report  to  the  Convention  this 
evening. 

Adjourned  for  the  purpose  of  attending  Divine  Service. 

Morning  prayer  was  conducted  by  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  and  a 
Sermon  preached  by  Rev.  S.  Brenton  Shaw ;  after  which, 
the  Holy  Communion  was  administered  by  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  Griswold. 

The  Convention  resumed  business  according  to  adjourn- 
ment. 

Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  in  behalf  of  Rev,  Palmer  Dyer,  pre- 
sented to  the  Convention  three  printed  Journals  of  the  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  Convention  of  the  Diocese  of  New- York. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  Resolved,  That  the  thanks 
of  this  Convention  be  and  they  hereby  are  returned  to  Rev. 
Palmer  Dyer  for  the  aforesaid  donation. 

Adjourned  until  3  o'clock,  this  evening. 

Wednesday,  June  28th,  3  o'clock,  p.  m. 
The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 


JO  VRKAL-1 8^6.  275 

The  following  Parochial  Keports  were  then  presented  and 
read  : 
BETHEL  AND  BETHESDA  CHURCHES,  ARLINGTON. 

;T.  H.  COIT,  MINISTER. 

Communicants,  84,  including  thirteen  additional  members; 
Baptisms,  13,  of  which  five  were  adults;  Funerals,  7. 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER.      * 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  1 ;  Funerals,  3  ;  Communicants,  39. 

The  prospects  of  this  Parish  are  more  encouraging  than  they 
have  been  for  several  years  past.  The  Rector  has  lately  removed 
his  residence  into  it,  and  is  now  bestowing  upon  it  his  whole 
services.  There  is  an  increasing  attendance  upon  public  worship, 
and  favourable  indications  as  to  the  progress  of  real  piety.  There 
has  been  an  addition  of  five  to  the  list  of  Communicants ;  and 
some  others  are  expected  to  join  soon.  The  Bible  Class  and  Sun- 
day School  are  small,  but  are  uniformly  attended  to  in  the 
intermission  on  Sundays. 

ST.  MATTHEW'S  CHURCH,  SANDGATE. 

A.  BRONSON,  VISITING    MINISTER. 

Communicants,  about  30. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  PAWLET. 

PALMER    DYER,  MINISTER. 

Communicants  (added  12),  27. 

The  members  of  this  Society  are  firm  and  devoted  Churchmen. 
The  cause  of  Christ,  and  the  concerns  of  our  Apostolic  Church 
are  prosperous. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  CENTREVILLE,  RUTLAND. 

LOUIS  m'dONALD,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  —  infants  6,  adults  4 ;  Communicants,  12. 


276  JO  URJfAL-1 826. 

The  prospects  of  this  Parish  are  somewhat  disheartening,  owing 
to  its  recent  formation,  and  the  comparatively  small  number  of 
those  who  are  firmly  attached  to  its  interests,  and  anxious  for  its 
prosperity.  The  Communion  has  been  twice  administered  during 
the  past  year,  and  services  kept  up  between  this  and  the  East 
Parish  alternately  since  February  last. 

.    CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD. 

S.  BRENTON  SHAW,  RECTOR. 

With  the  exception  of  sundry  changes  occasioned  by  deaths 
removals,  and  accessions,  the  two  congregations  which  compose 
this  Parish  have  experienced  no  sensible  alteration  since  the  last 
meeting  of  the  Convention.  It  is  worthy  of  note,  however,  that 
although  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  persons,  belonging  to  the 
Parish,  have  either  removed  or  deceased  within  four  years  past,  no 
perceptible  diminution  has  taken  place  in  our  worshipping  assem- 
blies ;  and  the  inference  is  obvious,  that  the  prejudices  which 
threatened  the  extinction  of  this  infant  Church,  are  giving  way, 
and  that  there  exists  among  the  people  a  growing  attachment  to 
our  "  form  of  sound  words,"  and  to  the  "  faith  once  delivered  to 
the  saints."  The  Records  present  the  following  memoranda  for 
the  past  year. 

Baptisms,  ( adult  1  children  4  )  —  5 ;  Funerals  9 ;  Mar- 
riages 15 ;  Births  16 ;  Communicants  (added  7,  removed  and 
deceased  4)  52.  Families  attending  Church,  between  80  and  90  ; 
Sunday  Scholars  in   both  Schools  about  70. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS. 

C.  CHASE,    RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adult  1) — 10  ;  Marriage,  1 ;  Death,  1 ;  Communicants, 
35  ;  Sunday  Scholars,  35. 

The  Rector  considers  the  condition  of  this  Parish  highly  pros- 
perous. Important  additions  have  been  made  to  the  Communion  ; 
the  Church  has  been  much  improved,  and  the  choir  furnished  with 
an  Organ. 


JO  URJ^AL-1 826.  277 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR. 

GEORGE  LEONARD,  RECTOR. 

There  have  been,  since  the  last  report  was  marie,  two  years  ago, 
7  Baptisms,  4  Marriages,  and  5  Burials.     Communicants,  35. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY. 

B.    B.  SMITH,    RECTOR. 

Immediately  after  the  last  Convention,  efforts  were  made  to  as- 
certain the  disposition  and  mean-o  of  the  people  in  reference  to 
erecting  a  substantial  church  edifice.  By  the  munificence  of  one 
individual,  and  the  anticipated  benevolence  of  distant  friends,  it 
was  thought  that  a  sum  might  be  raised,  in  addition  to  the  very 
limited  means  of  the  Parishioners  themselves,  sufficient  for  this 
purpose.  An  appeal  to  the  libei>lity  of  Episcopalians,  in  several 
of  our  principal  towns  and  cities,  has  accordingly  been  made,  and 
about  six  hundred  dollars  have  already  been  raised.  The  sum  is 
not  yet  equal  to  our  necessities.  For  the  stone  edifice,  which  is 
now  in  a  state  of  considerable  progress,  will  be  far  beyond  the 
means  of  the  few  Episcopal  families  in  the  village,  though  no  ways 
larger  or  more  expensively  finished  than  the  peculiar  circumstances 
of  the  place  necessarily  require.  It  is  hoped  that  the  considera- 
tions urged  in  our  distant  application,  will  still  procure  for  us  a 
sum  sufficient  for  the  end  proposed.  Before  the  meeting  of  an- 
other Convention  I  trust  the  building  will  be  so  far  completed  as 
to  allow  its  being  used  for  the  purposes  of  publick  worship. 

During  a  small  part  of  the  year  past,  some  of  the  congregation 
committed  to  my  charge  have  manifested  a  measure  of  that  se- 
rious interest  in  divine  things,  which  I  pray  may  ever  abound 
amongst  them ;  and  the  preaching  of  the  word,  for  a  while,  was 
received  with  much  solicitude.  Seriousness,  then  first  commenced, 
has  since,  in  some  few  cases  ripened,  I  trust,  into  real  piety. 

To  the  Communion,  14  have  been  added,  which,  counterbalanced 
by  some  removals  and  other  fluctuations,  will  leave  the  whole 
number  of  Communicants  about  46.  Of  16  Baptisms,  4  were  of 
adults.  There  have  been  but  6  Funerals,  and  only  1  Marriage. 
The 'number  of  Families   accouating  themselves  settled  Parish- 


278  JO  UBMAL-1826. 

oners,  is  not  known  to  have  increased.  And  with  regret  I  con- 
clude by  representing  the  Sunday  School  as  in  rather  a  declining 
condition. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS. 

JOHN  RICHARDSON,  WARDEN. 

Baptisms  (adults  4,  children  3,)  —  7  ;  Funerals,  2  ;    Commu- 
nicants, 18. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  SWANTON. 

SAMUEL  HOFFMAN,  WARDEN. 

Communicants,  7. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

MOORE  BINGHAM,  MINISTER. 

Funeral,!;  Communicants,  42  ;  Families,  27. 

This  Church  cannot  be  considered  in  a  very  increasing  state  : 
It  has  however,  less  to  fear  from  the  zeal  of  its  opposers,  than 
from  the  coldness  and  indifference  of  its  professed  friends.  A 
Sunday  School  has  been  commenced  with  about  twenty-five  Schol- 
ars, and  promises  the  desired  success  of  much  usefulness  to  the 
children. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD. 

MOORE  BINGHAM,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  —  adult  1,  infants  3;  Funeral,  1;  Removal,  1;  Com- 
municants, 67. 

The  members  of  this  Church  are  very  strongly  and  laudably  at- 
tached to  its  services  and  all  its  peculiarities;  but  the  remem- 
brance of  former  difficulties  evidently  continues  to  prevent  its 
growth  in  numbers  and  in  grace. 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY. 

JOEL  CLAP,  MISSIONARY. 

Baptisms  —  infants  6 ;  Marriage,  1 ;  Communicants,  35.     • 


JOURJfAL-1824.     ,  279 

CALVARY  CHURCH,  BERKSHIRE. 
Baptisms  —  adult  1,  infants  2;  Marriages,  2  ;  Communicants,  35. 

CHURCH,  ENOSBURGH. 


Baptisms  —  infant  1 ;  Communicants,  12. 

.   CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL. 

JOEL  CLAP,  MISSIONARY. 

Baptisms  —  adult  1,  infants  9;  Communicants,  80. 

The  Female  Missionary  Society  in  this  Parish  continues  to  be 
a  very  efficient  auxiliary  to  the  Parent  Society,  and  the  weekly 
meeting  of  many  of  the  females  of  this  Church  for  devotional 
exercises,  has  been  blessed  as  the  means  of  increasing  the  piety 
and  devout  affection  of  those  who  attend  the  same.  A  Mite 
Society  and  Sunday  School  have  been  recently  established  under 
very  favourable  auspices.  And  the  prospects  of  this  Parish  are 
upon  the  whole  much  more  encouraging  than  even  our  most  san- 
guine expectations  had  anticipated. 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  WOODSTOCK. 

JOEL  CLAP,  MINISTER. 

Divine  service  was  performed  in  this  Parish,  for  the  first  time, 
on  Sunday,  the  20th  of  November  last.  Since  which  time,  our 
meetings  for  publick  worship  have  been  uniformly  well  and 
attentively  attended.  Arrangements  are  now  making  for  the 
erection  of  a  neat  Church  edifice ;  and  there  are  favorable  indica- 
tions, that  the  Lord  is  rendering  the  humble  administration  of  the 
Gospel  effectual  in  leading  souls  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Saviour. 

Baptisms  —  adults  5,  infants  9 ;  Communicants,  14. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURN. 

JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  —  adult  1,  infants  4;  Marriages,  2;  Funerals,  4; 
Communicants,  83.  • 


280  JO  VRNAL-1 826. 

The  following  Committees  and  Delegates,  nominated  by 
the  Committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  were  appointed  • 

Standing  Committee, — Rev.  Messrs.  Abraham  Bronson, 
Carlton  Chase,  Joel  Clap  and  S.  Brenton  Shaw. 

Prudential  Committee, — Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith, 
Hon.  Dudley  Chase,  and  Hon.  Horatio  Seymour. 

Delegates  to  the  General  Convention, — Clergy, 
Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  Rev. 
Carlton  Chase,  Rev.  Joel  Clap.  Laymen,  Dudley  Chase, 
Alexander  Fleming,  George  Cleaveland,  Royal  Blake. 

Rev.  Mr.  Chase  proposed  the  following  amendment  to  the 
Constitution': 

In  article  2d,  instead  of  the  words,  "  The  said  Conven- 
tion shall  meet  annually  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  in  June," 
insert,  "  The  said  Convention  shall  meet  annually  on  the 
last  Wednesday  in  May." 

The  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund  made  the  follow- 
ing Report,  which  was  accepted  : 

The  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fond, 

In  account  with  the  Convention  :  Dr. 

To  coQti-ibutions  this  day  received  from  the  following  Parishes: 

Zion  Church,  Manchester,     ....     $2.06 
Iramanuel  Church,  Bellows  Falls,     .     .     9.33 

Christ  Church,  Bethel, 8.00 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  Middlebury,    .     .     5.10 

Trinity  Church,  Shelburn, 5.56 

Trinity  Church,  Fairfield,        ....     3.62 
Grace  Church,  Sheldon,         3.40 

To  oblation  taken  at  the  Communion  this  day,      ....     8.76 

"$45^ 

Per  Contra  :  Cr. 

By  balance  due  for  printing  Journals  of  the  last  Convention  $  4.00 
"  Cash  on  hand,     .     .     • 41.83 

$  45.83 
June  28,  1826.  JOEL  CLAP,  Treasurer. 


JOURJ^AL-1826.  281 

Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  in  behalf  of  the  Prudential  Committee, 
presented  the  following  Report,  which  was  accepted : 

The  Prudential  Committee  in  obedience  to  the  instructions  of 
the  Convention,  and  by  permission  of  the  Agents  of  the  Society 
for  Propagating  the  Gospel,  have  inspected  the  books  and  papers 
in  the  possession  both  of  their  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  and  as 
the  result  of  their  examination,  beg  leave  to  report, — 

That  the  records  in  the  Secretary's  office  furnish  a  clear  and 
connected  history  of  the  proceedings  in  recovery  of  the  lands,  and 
a  plain  view  of  the  tenure  and  circumstances  under  which  they 
are  holden,  and  the  uses  to  which  they  are  consecrated.  But  from 
these  papers  they  could  make  no  selections  which  would  contain 
any  valuable  information  additional  to  what  has  already,  on  a 
previous  occasion,  been  submitted  to  the  Convention. 

The  Treasurer's  books  and  accounts  are  kept  in  a  style  of  neat- 
ness and  accuracy,  and  contain  much  valuable  information,  of 
which  a  condensed  view  will  herewith  be  submitted.  Returns 
have  not  yet  been  received  from  all  the  towns  where  lands  were 
granted — in  some  of  which  the  recovery  is  retarded  by  suits  not 
yet  decided;  and  in  many  of  which,  no  titles  or  no  lands  are  to  be 
found.  As  far  as  returns  have  been  made,  they  furnish  the  fol- 
lowing results  : 

Of  the  towns  in  which  lots  have  been  leased,  there  are  in  the 
County  of 

Windham,  five  towns,  annual  rent,  $164.11 

Orange,  three  towns,               "  101.71 

Washington,  five  towns,         "  90.00 

Franklin,  seven  towns,            "  185.08 

Chittenden,  eleven  towns,      ''  437.33 

Addison,  twelve  towns,           "  428.76 

Rutland,  six  towns,                  ''  168.76 

Total,         s'i'sTsTtS 

From  these  towns  considerable  sums  have  been  received,  and 
still  larger,  reckoning  back  to  the  time  of  recovery,  are  yet  due, 
as  will  appear  from  the  following  table : 


282  JOURKAL-18^6. 

Counties.  Amount  received.  Rents  for  three  years. 

Windham,  $278.77  $492.33 

Orange,  259.54  305.13 

Washington,  241.50  270.00 

Franklin,  318.40  555.24 

Chitlenden,  850.33                  "         1,311.19 

Addison,  827.72  1,286.28 

Rutland,  288.79  506.28 

Total  rents, $  4,726.45 

Am't  received, 3,065.05 

Balance  due, $661.40 

Of  the  number  and  value  of  the  unleased  lots,  no  satisfactory 
estimate  can  be  made. 

The  Agents  have  proceeded  to  adjust  some  of  the  claims  upon 
the  lands  for  expenses  in  recovery,  and  besides  other  small  matters, 
have  made  the  following  appropriations  : 

To  Rev.  A.  Bronson, $  1,200.00 

"    A.  Sperry,  Esq.,  1,134.00 

"   J.  Hopkinson,  Esq.,         900.00 

"    Daniel  Chipraan,  Esq., 337.58 

Total,         $3,571.58 

All  which,  with  some  other  items,  will  appear  by  the  following 
summary  of  the  Treasurer's  books  : 

Treasurer —  Debtor. 

For  the  following  amounts  received,  exclusive  of  expenses  in- 
curred in  effecting  leases,  surveying  lands,  &c. 

In  the  County  of  Windham,        $278.77 

';  "  Orange, 259.54 

"  "  Washington, 241.50 

«  "  Franklin,       318.40 

"  "  Chittenden, 850.33 

"  »  Addison, 827.72 

"  «  Rutland, 288.79 

$  3,065.05 


JOUBKAL-18^6.  283 

Treasurer  —  Ckedito  r. 

Amount  paid  to  Hon.  D.  Chipnfan,*  $1,657.76 

Paid  A.  J.  Sperry,  Esq.  toward  appropriation  in  his  favor,    330.00 

Episcopal  Society  in  Middlebury, 160.00 

"  "  Guilford,  160  50 

«  "  Shelburn, 89.79 

Rev.  A.  Bronson,  .     .     *. lOP.OO 

Rt.  Rev.  Bp.  Griswold,  100.00 

For  blank  books  for  Treasurer  and  county  Agents — for 
blanks  for  returns,  &c.  and  for  travelling  expenses 
to  adjust  accounts  with  county  Agents,     ....     83.08 
Hon.  Jona.  H.  Hubbard,  and  charged  him  in  account,    50.00 

Now  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer, 63.62 

Now  in  the  hands  of  county  Agents  subject  to  the 

order  of  the  Treasurer,      .     .     .     ...     .     .     244.30 

%  37065.05 
June  28,  1826. 

From  the  foregoing  statement  it  will  be  seen  that  greater  difficul- 
ty and  delay  have  attended  the  adjustment  of  this  business  than 
■were  at  first  anticipated ;  and  that  the  total  amount  of  net  an- 
nual income  falls  very  far  below  the  extravagant  expectations  of 
the  public. 

It  has  afforded  the  Prudential  Committee  the  greatest  pleasure, 
however,  to  observe  with  what  accuracy  all  accounts  are  kept,  and 
with  what  wisdom  and  efficiency  arrangements  have  been  made  for 
future  collections,  and  what  sure  vouchers  are  required,  and  safe 
checks  are  provided  in  all  money  transactions.  It  would  seem  to 
them  scarcely  possible  that  the  arrangements  adopted,  and  now  in 
actual  experiment,  should  not  make  collections  alike  prompt,  safe 
and  economical. 

Whether  more  efficient  measures  might  not  be  adopted  for 
securing  the  rents  of  lots  yet  unleased,  remains  with  the  wisdom 
of  the  Agents.     If  no  risk  attends  present  delay,  this  certainly 

*  Mr  Chipman's  account  for  monies  expended  in  suits — for  a  sum  here- 
tofore allowed  him,  and  for  cash  paid  to  Mr.  Hopkinson,  is  something 
larger  than  the  amount  received  by  him. 


284  JOUR.KAL-1826. 

appears  less  important,  since  all  rents  can  be  recovered,  back  to 
the  time  of  the  first  favourable  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court, 
in  February,  1823. 

The  Prudential  Committee,  in  conclusion,  beg  leave  to  express 
the  high  opinion  which  they  entertain  of  th<^  care  and  integrity 
of  the  Agents  in  the  discharge  of  their  difficult  and  responsible 
duties.  The  efficiency  of  their  measures  is  materially  diminished 
by  the  remoteness  of  their  residence  from  each  other,  and  the 
consequent  difficulty  of  effecting  regular  meetings,  as  well  as  by 
the  distance  of  the  various  Agents  to  whom  the  business  in  the 
several  counties  is  entrusted.  But  the  confidence  which  this 
Convention  has  reason  to  place  in  their  general  faithfulness,  may 
safely  be  unlimited. 

This  Committee  cannot  but  suggest,  before  closing,  the  vast 
importance  of  procuring  the  perpetuation  of  the  powers,  under 
which  the  present  Agents  and  Attornies  act,  or  rather  such  a  mod- 
ification of  them,  as  may  render  the  conveyance  irrevocable,  and 
place  the  whole  business  more  directly  under  the  supervision  of 
the  Convention. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted,  by  the  Prudential  Commit- 
tee, through  their  Chairman, 

B.  B.  SMITH. 

On  motion  by  Eev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  in  view  of 
the  Report  of  the  Prudential  Committee  respecting  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  General  Agents  of  the  Church  lands  in  this 
State,  this  Convention  is  fully  satisfied  of  the  wisdom  and 
equity  of  the  proceedings  thus  reported,  and  would  express 
its  thanks  to  the  Prudential  Committee  for  their  laborious 
attention  to  the  subject  submitted  to  them. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Agents  of  the  "Society  for 
the  P]-opagation  of  the  Gospel,"  &c.  be  and  they  hereby  are 
requested  to  require  of  Parishes  applying  to  them  for  assist- 
ance from  their  funds,  a  detailed  account  of  the  number  of 
Parishioners,  the  amount  of  their  Grand  List,  and  also  the 
amount  of  salary  actually  raised  by  said  Parishes  for  their 
Rector  or  Minister.  , 


JOURJ^AL-1826.  285 

The  following  preamble  and  resolution,  presented  by  Hon. 
Dudley  Chase,  were  unanimously  adopted  : 

It  being,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Convention,  important  that 
the  clergy  and  people  of  our  respective  parishes  be  furnished 
with  the  means  of  sound  and  useful  instruction,  and  that 
without  access  to  books  such  information  cannot  be  obtained  ; 
and,  as  in  the  infant  state  of  our  Church,  the  moderate  sala- 
ries of  our  clergy  will  not  enable  them  to  purchase  books  : 
it  is  therefore 

Kesolved,  That  this  Convention  recommend  each  parish  in 
the  State  of  Vermont  to  establish  a  Parochial  Library  for  the 
use  of  the  existing  Clergyman  and  members  thereof;  and 
that  the  Minister  or  Wardens  of  each  Parish  be  requested 
to  return  an  annual  report  to  this  Convention  of  the  condition 
of  its  Parochial  Library. 

On  motion.  Voted,  That  the  next  meeting  of  this  Conven- 
tion be  held  in  Christ  Church,  Bethel. 

Rev.  Sylvester  Nash  was  appointed  to  preach  before  the 
next  Convention,  and  Rev.  Carlton  Chase  his  substitute. 

The  following  resolution  of  the  last  Convention  of  the 
Eastern  Diocese  was  submitted  to  the  Convention  : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  be  requested  to  inform  the 
Secretaries  of  ihe  several  State  Conventions  composing  this 
Diocese,  that  the  business  of  devising  means  for  the  more 
effectual  support  of  the  Episcopate  is  committed  to  the  State 
Conventions,  and  that  they  are  hereby  requested  to  attend 
to  that  duty,"  which  was  referred  to  a  committee  of  three  to 
report  to  the  next  Convention  ;  upon  which  committee  the 
following  persons  were  appointed — Hon.  Dudley  Chase,  Hon, 
Daniel  Chipman,  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith. 

Adjourned  until  6  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Thursday,  June  29,  1826—6  o'clock,  a.  m. 
Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  elected  President. 


286  JOURJfAL-1826. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  Resolved,  That  the  Treas- 
urer of  the  Contingent  Fund  be  and  hereby  is  directed  to 
vest  the  balance  of  said  Fund,  after  deducting  the  expense 
of  printing  the  Journal  of  this  Convention,  in  such  manner 
as  it  may  accumulate  to  the  best  advantage. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  Voted,  That  the  Secretary 
be  directed  to  publish  six  hundred  copies  of  the  Journal  of 
this  Convention  at  the  expense  of  the  Contingent  Fund. 

After  prayer  by  the  President,  the  Convention  adjourned 
without  day. 

A  true  record. 

Attest, 

JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 


The  following  passages  from  the  Annual  Address  of  Bishop 
Griswold  to  the  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  assembled 
at  Bristol,  R.  I.  Sept.  27,  1826,  properly  belong  to  the  foregoing 
Journal. 

"  My  labours,  in  the  year  past,  have  not  been  less  abundant  than 
at  former  periods.  Since  our  meeting  last  year  in  Boston,  I  have 
been  able,  through  the  Lord's  goodness,  to  visit  all  the  Churches 
in  the  Diocese,  with  the  exception  of  three  or  four,  which  are 
not  far  distant,  and  which  I  should  have  visited,  but  for  the  diffi- 
culty of  finding  some  one  to  fill  my  place  here.  But  this  cause 
of  my  failure  in  visiting  these  few — this  circumstance  that  none 
of  our  Clergy  were  disengaged,  gives  us  a  pleasing  idea  of  their 
diligence,  and  the  state  of  our  Churches." 

"  And  what  is  yet  more  encouraging,  and  demands  our  grateful 
acknowledgments  to  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  eight  or  ten  Cler- 
gymen, or  Candidates  since  ordained,  respectable  for  their  talents 
and  pious  zeal,  have  recently  from  other  parts,  come  into  the 
Diocese,  where  they  are  labouring  with  much  success  and  appro- 
bation. This,  we  humbly  trust,  is  an  evidence  that  the  Lord 
has  not  forsaken,  but  is  still  smiling  upon  us,  and  if  we  are  faithful 
that  He  will  continue  to  bless  His  Churches  committed  to  our 
care.     These  our  brethren  who  have  kindly  come  to  our  help,  we 


JOURMAL-1826.  287 

are  bound  to  receive,  and  I  trust  that  they  are  received  by  the 
right  hand  of  fellowship,  and  with  the  most  sincere  and  cordial 
affection." 

"  In  these  visitations,  during  the  past  year,  I  have  travelled 
about  three  thousand  miles,  including  one  journey,  which  was 
extended  into  Lower  Canada  ;  a  journey,  it  is  believed,  not  with- 
out use  to  the  Churches  in  these  States.  A  friendly  intercourse 
between  our  Churches  and  those  in  the  Canadas  will  evidently 
be  of  mutual  benefit;  and  especially  favourable  to  our  brethren 
in  Vermont.  The  kindness  and  cordiality  with  which  I  was 
received  at  Montreal  and  Quebec,  especially  by  the  Honourable 
and  very  worthy  Bishop  of  those  provinces,  was  an  interesting 
proof  of  the  politeness  and  hospitality  of  our  brethren  in  those 
cities,  and  also  of  their  Christian  love  and  their  readiness  to 
co-operate  in  whatever  shall  best  promote  the  cause  which  we 
all  have  in  view.  The  recent  appointment  to  the  Episcopate 
there,  of  one  so  justly,  and  so  universally  respected  and  esteemed 
— of  one  so  long  and  so  very  much  devoted  to  the  cause  of  the 
blessed  Redeemer,  and  of  the  best  good  of  mankind,  causes  the 
most  pleasing  anticipations  of  the  future  prosperity  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  that  part  of  America." 

"  Vermont  appears  to  be  the  most  flourishing  part  of  this  Dio- 
cese. In  my  journey  through  it  last  October,  I  consecrated  new 
Churches  in  Sheldon  and  Fairfield ;  and  at  Middlebury  admitted 
Moore  Bingham  and  Louis  M'Donald  to  the  order  of  Deacons. 
The  Rev.  John  Bristed,  Joseph  H.  Coit,  and  Richard  Peck,  from 
the  State  of  New-York,  who  have  been  ordained  within  the  year 
past,  are  now  labouring  in  Vermont ;  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nush, 
from  Virginia,  is  also  added,  and  is  a  valuable  addition  to  the 
number  of  their  Clergy.  Mr.  Peck  is  labouring  ia  Berkshire, 
Montgomery  and  Enosburgh ;  Mr.  Bingham  in  Fairfield  and 
Sheldon ;  and  Mr.  Nash  in  St.  Albans  and  Swanton.  And  much 
cause  have  we  of  thankfulness  that  those  Churches  are  at  length 
supplied.  Mr.  Bristed,  it  is  hoped,  will  officiate  at  Ferrisburgh — 
a  new  parish — and  at  Vergennes.  The  parish  in  Middlebury  are 
now  engaged  in  erecting  a  new  stone  edifice,  which,  if  they  succeed 
in  obtaining  means  to  finish,  will  be  one  of  our  best  Churches.  Mr. 
M'Donald  has  officiated  in  Rutland.      The  Rev.  Mr.  Bronson  has 


288  JOURJ^AL-1826. 

removed  to  Manchester.     The  Cliurch  in  Arlington  is  under  the 
care  of  the  Rev.  Mr  Coit. 

In  my  tour  through  Vermont  in  June  last,  accompanied  by  my 
Rev.  brethren  Leonard  and  Clap,  I  visited  for  the  first  time  a  Par- 
ish newly  formed  in  Woodstock,  where  I  passed  the  fifth  Sunday 
after  Trinity,  June  iioth.  The  kindness  and  hospitality  with  which 
we  were  received  and  entertained,  and  still  more  the  prospects  of  a 
good  parish  in  that  place,  were  highly  gratifying.  The  people  who 
have  organized  themselves  into  an  Episcopal  Society,  are  respectable 
in  point  both  of  numbers  and  character,  and  what  is  still  more  en- 
couraging, they  appear  to  be  united,  prudent  and  zealous.  In  that 
beautiful  village,  they  have  selected  a  pleasant  spot  for  erecting  a 
Church,  and  had,  it  was  said,  already  subscribed  liberally  for  that 
purpose.  We  had  the  most  pleasing  proof  of  their  being  much  in 
earnest,  in  the  large  number  who  assembled  for  worship,  and  the 
devout  attention  which  they  gave  to  the  various  services  of  the  day. 

I  preached  three  times,  confirmed  twelve,  and,  for  the  first  time 
in  that  place  according  to  our  mode,  the  Communion  was  admin- 
istered. They  who  had  been  confirmed,  with  several  others,  devout- 
ly united  in  commemorating  that  adorable  sacrifice  which  alone 
can  expiate  sin  and  give  spiritual  life.  I  have  witnessed  but  very 
few  occasions  more  interesting.  May  the  Lord  in  His  merciful 
goodness  guide  and  bless  them.  In  other  places  in  that  State  are 
opening  prospects ;  and  when,  through  the  Divine  blessing,  they 
shall  have  obtained  quiet  possession  of  their  lands,  and  the  expenses 
shall  be  defrayed,  we  may  hope  for  still  greater  increase." 

"But  two  names  have  been  added  to  the  list  of  Candidates  for 
Holy  Orders — James  M.  Tappan  and  Ebenezer  Boyden.  Seven 
have  been  admitted  to  the  Order  of  Deacons — Moore  Bingham, 
Louis  M'Douald,  Joseph  H.  Coit,  Richard  Peck,  John  Bristed, 
Southerland  Douglass,  and  Benjamin  C.  C.  Parker.  And  the  Rev. 
Silas  Blaisdale,  Henry  W.  Ducachet,  Thomas  S.  W.  Mott,  George 
Otis  and  George  Griswold,  Deacons,  have  been  ordained  Priests. 
Confirmation  in  several  of  the  Churches  visited,  has  been  post- 
poned till  the  next  year;  and  in  others  none  were  desirous  of 
receiving  that  rite.  In  the  compass  of  the  year,  I  have  admin- 
istered it  twenty-seven  times,  and  yet  the  whole  number  confirmed, 
amounts  only  to  two  hundred  and  ten." 


J0UBMAL—182G.  289 

"  Since  we  last  met,  and  indeed  within  a  very  few  weeks,  it  has 
pleased  the  Head  of  the  Church  to  remove  from  our  society,  and 
from  his  ministry  here  on  earth,  our  worthy  and  much  esteemed, 
brother,  the  Rev.  Herbert  Marshall.  The  Lord  knoweth  His 
own  purpose,  and  can  overrule  the  most  calamitous  event  to  the 
furtherance  of  the  Gospel.  May  the  Lord  who  has  removed  him 
to  a  better  world,  iu  His  compassionate  goodness,  send  others  of 
like  spirit,  the  like  abilities,  to  supply  his  place.  Our  respect  for 
his  memory  cannot  be  better  shown  than  in  our  kind  regard  to 
the  lovely  family  which  he  has  left  in  sorrow." 

"The  present  is  an  age  of  scrutiny,  investigation  and  eager 
attempts  at  improvement  in  every  thing.  This  makes  it  neces- 
sary that  Chi'istians  should  be  cautious,  lest  novelty  and  change 
be  mistaken  for  improvement.  In  religion  there  is  no  improve- 
ment possible  but  that  of  being  more  and  more  conformed  to  the 
perfect  standard  of  God's  Word,  which  is  the  religion  of  Protest- 
ants. For  such  improvement  there  is  no  doubt  space  abundant, 
both  in  Churches  and  individuals." 

"While  we  follow  peace  with  all  men,  exercising  unbounded 
charity  towards  others,  we  are  bound  to  be  strict  with  ourselves, 
and  to  stand  fast  in  the  true  faith  of  Christ.  At  the  present  time 
liberality  is  a  word  which  seems  to  be  substituted  for  charity  ;  and 
it  behooves  us  to  beware  lest  it  should  be  a  *  wolf  in  sheep's  cloth- 
ing.' If  it  be  indeed  charity  we  cannot  too  much  esteem  and 
follow  it.  But  Christian  charity  neither  requires  nor  admits  of 
any  laxity  in  our  faith  and  practice.  It  does  not  consist  in  word 
and  tongue^  hut  in  deed  and  truth.  Sectarian  love,  praising  and  ex- 
tolling our  own  party,  and  those  who  agree  with  us  in  sentiment, 
while  we,  indirectly  at  least,  stigmatize,  or  cast  a  shade  over 
others,  is  the  reverse  of  charity.  Indifference  respecting  articles 
of  belief  is  not  charity.  To  suppose  it  unessential  what  Church 
we  belong  to  and  what  doctrines  and  manner  of  worship  we  em- 
brace, is  not  charit3%  We  mast  believe  what  God  has  taught, 
and  we  must  worship  Him  in  spirit  and  truthy 

"It  is  one  and  a  very  distinguishing  mark  of  what  is  called 
liberality,  to  denounce  and  war  against  creeds  and  articles  of 
faith.  What  is  said  upon  this  subject  has  undoubtedly  excited 
prejudices  against  our  Church  and  impeded  our  labours.     On  both 


290  JOTJRJ^AL-1827. 

sides  of  this  question,  the  utility  of  creeds,  there  seems  to  be  some 
misunderstanding  of  its  true  nature.  Tf  the  Scriptures  teach  any 
.thing,  they  teach  that  faith  is  necessary  to  our  salvation :  we  must 
believe  what  is  taught  of  Jesus  Christ,  or  we  have  no  promise  of 
future  blessedness  in  His  heavenly  kingdom.  And  if  we  must 
telieve,  it  is  evidently  necessary  that  we  receive  as  true  and  essen- 
tial to  our  salvation  some  particular  articles  of  faith.  It  would  be 
something  worse  than  absurd  to  suppose  it  necessary  to  believe  in 
Christ  and  yet  not  necessary  to  believe  anything  in  particular 
respecting  Him.  But  if  there  be  some  points,  or  facts  or  doc- 
trines, whatever  they  are,  necessary  to  be  believed,  these  are 
articles  of  faith ;  and  of  any  one  such  we  may  say  what  the 
Scriptures  say  of  faith  generally, — '  He  that  believeth  not  shall  be 
damned.'  And  though,  through  fear  of  wounding  delicate  ears, 
we  use  softer  language,  I  see  not  how  any  one  can  faithfully 
preach  the  Gospel  without  setting  forth  some  particular  doctrines 
of  Christ  which  they  who  would  he  saved  must  believe.  Even  the 
fault  of  the  Athanasian  Creed,  which  is  so  much  condemned,  is  in 
being  too  particular.  For  supposing  the  articles  of  that  creed  to 
be  no  other  or  more  than  the  Scriptures  make  necessary  to  the 
Christian  Faith,  what  is  called  the  damnatory  part,  and  gives  so 
much  offence,  is  but  the  plain  language  of  God's  Word."  Epis- 
copal Register,  vol.  i,  pp.  186,  187,  188;  vol.  ii,  pp.  29,  30. 


1827. 

Bethel,  June  27,  1827. 

This  being  the  day  and  place  assigned  for  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  Vermont,  a  number  of  the  Clergy,  and  Lay  Del- 
egates from  several  Parishes  in  said  State,  assembled  in 
Christ  Church,  Bethel,  at  9  o'clock,  a.  m.,  and  were  called 
to  order  by  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson. 


JOURJfAL-1827.  291 

Present : 
Kev.  Moore  Bingham,  Deacou,  Minister  of  Grace  Church, 

Sheldon,  and  Trinity  Church,  Fairfield. 

Kev.  John  Bristed,  Rector  of Church,  Fcrrisburgh. 

Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  RectorofZion  Church,  Manchester. 
Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rector.of  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows 

Falls, 
Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Shelburn. 
Rev.  J.  Howland  Coit,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Bethel  Church, 

Arlington. 
Rev.  Sylvester  Nash,  Rector  of  Union  Church,  St.  Albans 
Rev.  Richard  Peck,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Calvary  Church, 

Berkshire,  Union  Church,  Montgomery,  and  Christ 

Church,  Enoshurgh. 
Rev.  S.  Brenton  Shaw,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Guilford. 
Rev.  Benj.  B.   Smith,  Rector  of  St.   Stephen's  Church, 

Middlehury. 

Lay  Delegates  who  presented  their  Credentials  and  took 
their  seats  in  Convention  : 

BETHEL  CHURCH.  ARLINGTON: 
Noble  Hard. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL: 
Hon.  Dudley  Chase,  Thos.  P.  Russell, 

Luther  Grover,  Oliver  Gleason. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURN: 

Nehemiah  Saxton. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS: 

John  Richardson. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON: 

Daniel  Smith, 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  POULTNEY: 

Abijah  Williams. 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  WOODSTOCK: 

Joseph  A.  Gallup. 


292  JOURJ^AL-1827. 

Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  elected  President,  and  Rev. 
Joel  Glap,  Secretary  of  this  Convention. 

On  motion  by  Mr.  Gleason,  Resolved,  That  Mr.  John 
Whitlock  of  Castleton,  and  Mr.  Abijah  Hawley  of  Fairfax, 
be  admitted  to  honorary  seats  in  this  Convention; 

Whereupon  the  said  gentlemen  appeared  and  took  their 
seats. 

Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  Chairman  of  the  Prudential  Committee, 
presented  the  following  Report,  which  was  read  and  laid 
upon  the  table  : 

Report  of  Prudential  Committee.  —  According  to  the 
standing  direction  of  Convention,  this  Committee  has  waited 
upon  the  Treasurer  of  the  Agents  of  the  "  Society's  Lands," 
and  examined  the  few  documents  he  had  to  submit,  besides 
those  which  were  submitted  to  Convention  in  its  last  report. 
But  as  returns  have  been  received  from  only  four  of  the 
County  Agents,  and  the  principal  pecuniary  transactions 
have  been  carried  on  through  them,  the  Treasurer  found  it 
impossible  to  present  a  full  and  satisfactory  statement.  He 
has,  however,  been  called  upon  by  the  Agents  themselves 
to  exhibit  a  perfect  account  at  their  next  meeting  in  August, 
which  he  obligingly  promises  to  present  to  the  public  in  the 
religious  Journal  published  in  this  State. 

B.  B.  SMITH,  Chairman. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  the  follow- 
ing amendment  to  the  Constitution^  which  was  proposed  at 
the  last  annual  meeting  of  this  Convention,  be  and  hereby 
is  adopted  : 

In  Article  2d,  instead  of  the  words,  "  The  said  Conven- 
tion shall  meet  annually  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  in  June," 
insert,  "  The  said  Convention  shall  meet  annually  on  the 
last  Wednesday  in  May." 

A  communication  from  the  Secretary  of  the  House  of 
Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  the  Genera]  Convention  was 
read  and  referred  to  a  Committee  of  three,  consisting  of 


J0URJ{AL-1S27.  293 

Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rev.  Benj.  B.  Smith,  Hon.  Dudley 
Chase. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  proceeded,  to  the  election  of  a 
Standing  Committee  for  the  year  ensuing,  when  the  follow- 
ing gentlemen  were  duly  elected  :  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson, 
Rev.  Benj.  B.  Smith,  Rev.  S.  Brenton  Shaw,  Rev.  Joel  Clap, 
Rev.  Sylvester  Nash. 

The  Convention  adjourned  for  the  purpose  of  attending 
Divine  Service. 

Morning  prayers  were  read  by  Rev.  Benj.  B.  Smith,  and  a 
Sermon  preached  by  Rev.  Sylvester  Nash  ;  the  Holy  Com- 
munion was  administered  by  the  Rev.  President.  After 
which  the  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment,  and 
adjourned  until  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Wednesday,  4  o'clock,  p.  m. 

The  Converition  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

The  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund    presented    the 

following  Report,  which  was  read  and  accepted  : 

Joel  Clap,  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund, 

In  account  with  the  Contention  :       Dr. 
To  Cash  then  on  hand  as  per  report  of  1826,    ....     $45.83 
To  Cash  per  Rev.  Mr.  Shaw,  Contribution  from  Christ 

Church,  Guilford,  received  in  Oct.  1826,  ....  5.00 
To  contributions  this  day  taken  up  in  Christ  Church,  Bethel,  7.93 
To  contributions  of  Zion  Church,  Manchester,      ....     3.06 

Christ  Church,  Guilford, 5.06 

Immanuel  Church,  Bellows  Falls,    .     .     6.60 

'       Christ  Church,  Bethel, 8.56 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  Middlebury,  .     ,     5.50 

Trinity  Church,  Shelburn,        ....   5.00 

Union  Church,  St.  Albans,     ....     4.63 

To  interest  on  $33.83  one  year,  and  $5.00  eight  months,     .  2.34 

$99.35 
Per  Contra  :  Cr. 

By  Cash  paid  D.  Watson  for  printing  Journal  of  1826,  .   $  12.00 

Balance  now  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer,      .     .   $  87.35 

JOEL  CLAP,  Treasurer. 
June  27,  1827. 


294  JOUBXAL-1827. 

The  Committee  to  whom  the  communication  from  the 
Secretary  of  the  General  Convention,  relating  to  proposed 
alterations  of  the  Liturgy  was  referred,  reported  the  follow- 
ing Kesolution,  which  was  adopted  : 

Resolved,  That,  the  communication  from  the  Secretary  of 
the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Deputies  of  the  General 
Convention,  be  referred  to  the  Standing  Committee,  to  be 
reported  upon  at  the  next  annual  meeting  of  this  Convention. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  the  Report  of  the  Pruden- 
tial committee  was  called  up,  accepted,  and  the  farther 
consideration  of  the  same  referred  to  the  next  annual  meet- 
ing of  this  Convention. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  Resolved,  That 
the  Prudential  Committee  be  requested  to  concert  measures 
with  the  "Agents  of  the  Society's  Lands,"  for  procuring 
from  the  Society  in  England,  such  documents  and  powers  as 
may  be  necessary,  to  render  their  grant  permanent  and 
effectual,  and  to  adopt  such  other  methods  as  they  may  deem 
necessary  towards  rendering  their  appropriation  efficient  and 
useful. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  Convention  now  proceed 
to  the  election  of  a  Prudential  Committee  ; 

Whereupon,  the  following  gentlemen  were  duly  elected  : 
Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Hon.  Jonathan  H.  Hubbard,  Edward  R. 
Campbell,  Esq.^,  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  Alexander  Flem- 
ing, Esq. 

The  Parochial  Reports  being  called  for,  the  following 
were  read,  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  entered  upon  the 
Journals  : 

BETHEL  CHURCH,  ARLINGTON. 

J.   HOWLAND  COIT,  MINISTER. 

The  state  of  the  Church  in  this  place  is  such  as  to  excite  in 
our  hearts  the  most  lively  emotions  of  gratitude,  although  we 
have  still  much  reason  to  lament  barrenness  and  lack  of  zeal  in 
the  service  of   our  Master.     There  has  been  for  two  years  last 


JOURJfAL-1827.  295 

passed,  more  or  less  of  an  attention  to  religious  things,  the  result 
of  which  has  been  an  addition  of  twenty-three  to  the  list  of  our 
communicants.  Our  Sunday  Schools,  of  which  there  are  three 
attached  to  our  church,  are  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and  con- 
tinue to  excite  an  interest  in  the  minds  of  young  and  old.  A 
Bible  class  has  been  established,  which  is  attended  with  consider- 
able interest  by  a  few  of  the  young  people,  and  we  regret  to  say, 
but  by  a  few.  A  female  prayer  meeting,  which  is  held  weekly, 
has  been  instituted,  from  which,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  we 
anticipate  the  most  pleasing  results. 

The  whole  number  of  communicants,  after  deducting  deaths, 
is  93;  Funerals,  2;  Baptisms,  4  adults;  Marriages,  3;  Sunday 
Scholars,  130. 

ST.  MATTHEW'S  CHURCH,  SANDGATE. 

J.   HOWLAND  COIT,  VISITING   MINISTER. 

This  Church  was  visited  regularly  once  a  fortnight,  on  a  week 
day,  for  about  the  space  of  three  months,  besides  some  occasional 
visits  before  and  since.  During  the  time  of  my  visiting  them,  the 
services  of  the  church  were  attended  to  with  much  interest,  and 
some  seriousness  manifested.  They  have  also  had,  occasionally, 
lay-reading.  I  would  affectionately  recommend  this  parish  to 
the  particular  attention  of  the  Convention.  The  people  are  poor, 
but  pious,  and  ardently  attached  to  the  church  we  all  love,  and 
are  hungering  and  tliirsting  for  the  word  of  life. 

The  number  of  communicants,  after  deducting  two  or  three 
removals,  is  33 ;  Baptisms  (5  infants,  2  adults,)  7. 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  —  adult,  1 ;  Marriages,  2  ;  Funerals,  7  ;  Communi- 
cants, 32. 

The  situation  of  this  parish  has  not  materially  varied,  within 
the  year.  One  communicant  has  been  taken  away  by  death,  two 
have  removed,  and  only  two  have  been  added.  The  two  who  have 
been  added  to  the  communion,  are  pursuing  classical  studies  with 


296  JOTJEKAL-1827. 

a  view  to  the  ministry.  The  Rector  of  this  parish  has  recently 
commenced  a  course  of  lectures,  on  Sunday  evening,  in  the  east 
part  of  Dorset,  where  there  is  a  considerable  population,  but  no 
regular  public  worship.  There  has  been  an  attempt  made  to  es- 
tablish a  parish  library,  and  nearly  twenty  volumes  have  been  ob- 
tained for  it  by  donation  ;  but  the  organization  of  it  is  not  yet 
completed,  A  Sunday  School  and  Bible  Class  are  continued,  but 
not  very  well  attended. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY. 

B.  B.  SMITH,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  2;  Funerals,  8;  Marriages,  4;   Communicants,  46. 

By  the  persevering  energy  of  this  small  parish,  the  great  under- 
taking which  has  now  been  in  hand  two  years,  is  nearly  com- 
pleted ;  and  they  hope  to  see  a  neat  and  substantial  Church  con- 
secrated to  the  service  of  God,  some  time  in  October.  Whilst  this 
interesting  object  has  engrossed  their  chief  attention,  the  people 
have  not  been  wholly  indifferent  to  other  objects.  Our  Sunday 
School  of  nearly  forty  scholars,  was  never  better  conducted,  or 
more  useful  and  prosperous. 


CHURCH,  FERRISBURGH. 

JOHN  BRISTED,  RECTOR. 

In  the  month  of  Juue,  1826,  a  few  persons,  inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  Ferrisburgh,  in  the  county  of  Addison,  organized  them- 
selves according  to  the  statute  in  such  case  made  and  provided, 
into  the  First  Episcopal  Society  in  the  town  of  Ferrisburgh,  and 
at  the  annual  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
Vermont,  hold  en  at  Middlebury,  on  the  28th  day  of  the  said  month 
of  June,  1826,  the  said  Society  was  regularly  acknowledged  as  a 
canonical  parish  in  connection  with  said  convention.  In  the  be- 
ginning of  July,  1826,  the  said  Society  invited  the  undersigned  to 
preach  for  them  every  other  Sabbath  for  one  year.  On  the  Easter 
Monday  of  1827,  agreeable  to  due  notice,  they  met  and  elected 
their  Church  Wardens  and  Vestry-men,  and  also  invited  the  un- 
dersigned  to  continue  his  ministrations  among  them.     On    the 


JOURJrAL-1827.  297 

18th  of  June  instant,  said  Society,  in  pursuance  of  a  due  notice  to 
that  effect,  met  and  elected  the  undersigned*  their  settled  minister. 
The  Society  is  gradually  growing  in  numbers  and  respectability  ; 
neither  of  the  sacraments  has  been  administered  amono-  them. 
Nothing  in  the  shape  of  a  parochial  library,  as  yet  exists. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS. 

I 

S.   NASn,  RECTOR. 

By  the  blessing  of  God,  the  affairs  of  Union  Church  have  been, 
on  the  whole,  prosperous  during  the  year  past,  though  not  as  em- 
inently so  as  might  be  wished.  The  congregation  has  gradually, 
and  it  is  hoped,  permanently  increased,  and  has  been  uniformly 
attentive  and  serious.  And  although  it  is  not  known  that  any 
peculiar  degree  of  attention  to  the  subject  of  religion  at  present 
exists,  strong  hopes  are  cherished  that  the  Head  of  the  "Church 
will  eventually  give  increase  to  the  seed  sown,  and  gather  a  harvest 
of  souls  into  his  Church,  as  heirs  of  glory.  The  present  Rector 
took  charge  of  the  parish  immediately  after  the  last  Convention, 
and  has  regularly  officiated  there  three-fourths  of  the  time,  and 
had  occasionally,  extra  services  in  the  neighborhood.  Soon  after  his 
entering  upon  the  duties  of  the  parish,  a  Bible  Class  was  formed, 
which  still  continues.  A  Female  Missionary  Society,  Auxiliary 
to  the  Missionary  Society  of  this  State  has  also  been  formed,  which 
bids  fair  for  permanent  usefulness,  and  has  already  forwarded 
fourteen  dollars  and  twenty-five  cents  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Pa- 
rent Society,  besides  making  a  considerable  donation  to  the  Pas- 
tor. One  afternoon  in  each  week,  the  Female  Communicants 
meet  for  devotional  exercises,  especially  prayer,  that  the  Lord  will 
visit  and  revive  his  Church.  An  excellent  organ,  sufficiently 
large  for  the  Church,  has  also  been  obtained,  which  adds  greatly 
to  the  music  of  the  Church.  The  number  of  Sunday  scholars  is 
small,  but  probably  as  large  as  could  in  reason  be  expected,  there 
being  two  others  in  the  place. 

Twelve  Communicants  have  been  added  within  the  year,  and 
three  have  removed.  Present  number  of  Communicants,  24:  Bap- 
tisms (adults  3,  children  2,)  —  5;   Funerals,  4;  Marriages,  3. 

*  For  the  sake  of  uniformity,  all  signatures  have  been  transferred  to  the 
headings  of  these  reports. 


298  JOURKAL-1827. 

CHRIST'S  CHURCH,  SWANTON. 

S.  NASH,   RECTOR. 

When  I  took  charge  of  the  Parish  at  St.  Albans,  it  was  ex- 
pected that  I  should  officiate  one  fourth  of  the  time  at  Swanton, 
which  I  accordingly  did  for  about  three  months,  when  the  Vestry 
thought  it  best  for  me  to  preach  in  Fairfax  instead  of  Swanton. 
Consequently  my  services  in  Swanton  were  only  occasional  after 
this.  Early  in  the  Spring,  two  families  which  contained  all  the 
communicants,  removed  to  New-York.  The  operations  of  the 
Society  have,  therefore,  for  the  present,  entirely  ceased. 


CHURCH,  FAIRFAX. 

S.   NASH,    RECTOR. 


The  Vestry  of  Union  Church  having  advised  to  suspend  regu- 
lar appointments  in  Swanton,  they  were  transferred  to  a  School 
House  in  the  corner  of  Fairfax,  about  five  miles  from  St.  Albans, 
where  several  of  the  communicants  of  Union  Church  reside.  In 
that  place  the  services  have  been  numerously  and  attentively 
attended,  and  it  is  hoped  good  may  result. 

CALVARY  CHURCH,  BERKSHIRE. 

RICHARD    PECK,    MINISTER. 

Baptisms  —  infants  2,  adults  10;  Marriages,  1;  Funerals,  3  ; 
Communicants  (added  20),  51. 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY. 

RICHARD    PECK,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  (infants  5,  adult  1)  —  6;  Funeral,  1;  Communicants 
(added  3),  38. 

CHRIST'S  CHURCH,  ENOSBURGH. 

RICHARD  PECK,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  (infants  10,  adults  3)  —  13;  Funeral,  1  ;  Communi- 
cants (added  5,  removed  3),  14. 


JOJJRKAL-18^7.  299 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

MOORE  BINGHAM,  MINISTER. 

Communicants  40  —  added  1;  suspended  from  Communion,  1; 
withdrawn  and  dismissed,  2. 

Though  the  number  of  Communicants  in  this  Church  has 
diminished,  since  the  report  of  1826,  yet  it  is  believed  that  the 
true  interests  and  prosperity  of  the  Church  have  been  in  no  degree 
impaired  by  the  change.  This  Church  cannot  be  represented  as 
in  a  prosperous  state  ;  its  members  and  friends,  however,  are  very 
far  from  despairing  of  better  days,  days  of  prosperity  and  grace. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD. 

MOORE  BINGHAM,  MINISTER. 

Communicants  69  —  added  1 ;  Baptisms,  6;  Marriages,  2;  Fu- 
nerals, 5. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS. 

C.  CHASE,   RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  2 ;  Deaths,  2 ;  Marriage,  1 ;  Communicants,  46 ; 
Sunday  Scholars,  63.  This  Parish  is  considered  by  its  Rector,  to 
be  in  a  condition  highly  prosperous. 

CHRIST'S  CHURCH,  GUILFORD. 

SAMUEL  BRENTON  SHAW,  RECTOR. 

• 

The  prospects  and  condition  of  this  Parish  continue  encourag- 
ing, and  after  an  experiment  of  nine  years,  it  may  be  considered 
as  having  acc[uircd  a  permanency  of  character.  "  This  is  the 
Lord's  doing,"  and,  considering  the  peculiarity  of  its  origin,  it  is 
surely  "wonderful  in  our  eyes."  The  Sunday  Schools  contain  the 
usual  number  of  scholars;  and  the  religious  publications,  patron- 
ized by  the  Church,  are  eagerly  read  by  the  people.  There  have 
been,  since  the  last  convention,  7  Baptisms,  12  Marriages,  only  2 
Funerals,  and  13  Births.  Present  number  of  habitual  Communi- 
cants, 54.  Sunday  Scholars,  75 ;  and  more  than  80  families  who 
meet  for  Divine  Service  in  both  congregations. 


300  J0UB:N'AL-1827. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURN. 

JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  —  adult  1,  infants  5  ;  Marriages,  1 ;  Funerals,  4  ;  Com- 
municants, about  83. 

No  essential  alteration  has  taken  place  in  the  condition  of  this 
Parish  during  the  past  year.  Very  great  inconvenience  is  still 
experienced,  from  the  interruption  of  parochial  duty,  resulting 
from  the  partial  support  of  their  Rector,  and  arrangements  are 
now  in  progress  to  provide  for  the  adequate  support  of  a  Rector. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL. 

JOEL  CLAP,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  (3  adults,  8  infants)  — 11 ;  Communicants,  81. 

The  spiritual  condition  of  this  Parish  is,  we  humbly  trust, 
under  the  divine  blessing,  progressively  improving.  The  Female, 
Missionary,  and  Tract  Societies,  and  weekly  prayer  meetings, 
continue  in  very  prosperous  condition.  The  Sunday  School  is  in  a 
more  flourishing  condition  than  it  has  ever  heretofore  been.  With 
a  very  commendable  zeal,  an  ample  subscription  has  been  raised 
in  this  Parish,  for  the  purchase  of  a  glebe  and  the  erection  of  a 
parsonage,  which  is  in  such  a  stage  of  forwardness  as  to  promise 
its  completion  the  present  season;  and  it  is  confidently  believed 
that  a  balance  will  remain  to  constitute  the  foundation  of  a 
Parochial  Library.  • 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  WOODSTOCK: 

JOEL  CLAP,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  —  infants,  5;  Communicants,  18. 

The  prospects  of  this  Parish  "continue  to  be  encouraging ; 
arrangements  have  been  made  to  secure  the  ministrations  of  the 
gospel  one-half  of  the  time  for  the  present  year;  and  under  the 
divine  blessing,  it  is  expected  the  Church  edifice  will  be  completed 
the  present  season. 


JOURJfAL-1827.  301 

The  following  persons  were  appointed  Delegates  to  the 
General  Convention  : — Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Ben- 
jamin B.  Smith,  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Hon. 
Dudley  Chase,  Alexander  Fleming,  George  Cleaveland, 
Esqrs.,  Mr.  Royal  Blake. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Clap,  Voted,  That  the  next 
annual  meeting  of  this  Convention  be  holden  at  Woodstock. 

Rev.  John  Bristed  was  appointed  to  preach  before  the 
next  meeting  of  the  Convention  ;  and  Rev.  J.  Howland  Coit, 
his  substitute. 

On  motion  by  Hon.  Dudley  Chase,  it  was  unanimously 
Resolved,  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  take  into 
consideration  the  expediency  of  withdrawing  from  the  East- 
ern Diocese,  and  of  electing  a  Bishop  for  the  Diocese  of 
Vermont,  and  to  take  such  measures  as  they  may  deem 
expedient  upon  that  subject,  and  report  to  the  next  annual 
meeting  of  this  Convention :  Whereupon  the  following 
persons  were  appointed  upon  the  aforesaid  Committee, 
Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Hon.  Dudley 
.Chase. 

On  motion.  Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  be  directed  to 
publish  six  hundred  copies  of  the  Journal  of  the  Proceed- 
ings of  this  Convention,  at  the  expense  of  the  Contingent 
Fund. 

After  Prayers,  and  the  Benediction,  by  the  Rev.  President, 
the  Convention  adjourned,  sine  die. 
A  true  Record. 

Attest, 

JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 


The  following  passages  are  quoted  from  the  Address  of  Bishop 
Griswold  to  the  Conveution  of  the  Eastern  Diocese,  assembled  at 
Claremont,  N.  H.  Sept.  26,  1827. 

"  To  give  you  a  particular  account  of  the  Churches  visited, 
though  to  me  it  might  be  a  pleasure,  to  you  would  be  tedious. 


302  JO  TJEKAL-1 827. 

When,  through  the  Lord's  goodness,  I  shall  finish  the  journey 
now  commenced',  and  another  which  is  soon  to  follow,  far  the 
greater  part  of  our  Churches  will  have  been  visited  once,  and 
some  of  them  twice  or  thrice  during  the  present  year.  The 
Churches  already  visited  are  those  of  Rhode  Island,  and  those  also 
in  Massachusetts,  with  the  exception  of  those  in  Newburyport, 
Bridgewater,  Greenfield,  Ashfield,  Hopkinton,  and  one  or  two 
others.  I  have  also  visited  Hopkinton  and  Holderness  in  this 
State." 

"  In  these  visitations  one  hundred  and  ninety-six  have  been 
confirmed." 

"  To  the  list  of  Candidates  for  Holy  Orders  have  been  added 
George  E.  Haskins,  Norris  M.  Jones,  George  T.  Williams,  Anson 
B.  Hard  and  Charles  Cleveland." 

"  To  the  Order  of  Deacons,  Robert  B.  Drane,  Henry  C.  Knight, 
Clement  F.  Jones,  James  M.  Tappan,  have  been  admitted;  and 
the  Rev.  John  Bristed,  Benjamin  C.  C  Parker,  and  Eleazer  M.  P. 
Wells,  have  been  ordained  Priests." 

"The  new  Parish  in  Woodstock  are  engaged  in  building  a 
Church ;  and  the  one  building  in  Middlebury  is  soon,  if  the  Lord 
permit,  to  be  consecrated  to  His  holy  worship.  Several  ordina- 
tions, with  the  same  Divine  permission,  will  soon  take  place  in 
that  State."     Episcopal  Register,  vol.  ii,  pp.  149 — 158. 


SECOND    ARTICLE    OF    THE    CONSTITUTION, 

AS  AMENDED    JUNE  27,  A.  D.   1827. 

The  said  Convention  shall  meet  annually  on  the  last  Wednes- 
day in  May,  at  such  place  as  shall  be  appointed  at  a  previous  meet- 
ing, and  all  the  Clergymen  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  re- 
siding in  this  State,  shall  be  entitled  to  seats  in  the  said  Con- 
vention;  and  Lay  Delegates  from  the  several  Churches  in  this 
State,  shall  be  entitled  to  seats  in  Convention  in  the  following 
proportion,  viz.  each  Church  shall  have  the  privilege  of  sending 
at  least  one  member ;  if  it  consists  of  ten  or  more  communicants, 


JOUBJ^AL-1827.  303 

it  may  send  two  members;  and  for  every  twenty- five  communi- 
cants exceeding  the  number  above  specified,  the  said  Churches 
shall  be  entitled  to  an  additional  member. 


OFFICERS    OF    THE    MISSIONARY    SOCIETY 

OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH  IN  VERMONT. 

Right  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  D.  D.  President,  ex  officio. 

Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  First  Vice-President. 

Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Second  Vice-President. 

Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Shelburne,  Secretary. 

George  Cleaveland,  Esq.  P.  M.,  Middlelury,  Treasurer. 

Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  i 

Rev.  Joel  Clap,  >  Managers. 

Joshua  Isham,  3 

Agents  under  the  Provisions  of  the  Ninth  Article  of  the 

Constitution. 

Amherst  Willoughby,  Berkshire.  Moses  Lester,  Rutland. 

William  Barber,  Enoshurgh.  Truman  Purdy,  Manchester. 

Henry  N.  Jones,  Montgomery .  Enos  Canfield,  Arlington. 

Nathan  Lobdell,  Fairfield.  Zenas  Prindle,  Sandgate. 

John  Richardson,  Fairfax.  Alexander  Fleming,  Bellows  Falls. 

Samuel  A.  Wilkins,  St.  Allans.  Thomas  Leland,  Windsor. 

Phineas  Atwater,  Burlington.  Thomas  P.  Russel,  Bethel. 

Joshua  Isham,  Shelburne.  Seth  C.  Crocker,  Randolph. 


304  JOURJfAL-1828. 

1828. 

Pursuant  to  the  provision  of  tlie  Constitution,  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  Vermont  was  opened  on  Wednesday,  May  28, 
1828,  at  9  o'clock,  a.  m.  in  St.  James'  Church,  Woodstock. 
The  Convention  was  called  to  order  by  the  Rev.  Abraham 
Bronson. 

Present : 

The  Rev.  Moore  Bingham,  Minister  of  Grace  Church,  Shel- 
don, and  Trinity  Church,  Fairfield. 
The  Rev.  Abraham   Bronson,  Rector  of  Zion   Church, 

Manchester. 
The  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rector  of  Immanuel  Church, 

Bellows  Falls. 
The  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Bethel,  and 

St.  James'  Church,  Woodstock. 
The  Rev,  Louis  McDonald,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church, 

Shelhurn. 
The  Rev.  Sylvester  Nash,  Rector  of  Union  Church,  St. 

Albans. 
The  Rev.  S.  Brenton   Shaw,   Rector  of  Christ  Church, 

Guilford. 
The  Rev.   Benjamin  B.  Smith,  Rector  of  St.   Stephen's 

Church,  Middlehury. 

The  following  gentlemen  presented  their  Credentials,  and 
took  their  seats  as  Lay  Delegates  : 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY : 
RuFUS  Smith. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS: 

Abijah  Stone. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD: 

Abijah  Hawley. 


I 


JO  VBKAL-1 828.  305 

TRINITY  CHURCH,, SHELBURN: 

Asa  Lyon,  2d. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL: 

Luther  G-rovek,  Oliver  Gleason, 

Thomas  P.  Eussell. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOAVS  FALLS  : 

Henry  T.  Green,  John  Atkinson. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WELLS : 

David  B.  Lewis. 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER: 

Mansfield  French. 

BETHEL  CHURCH,  ARLINGTON : 

Simeon  Cole. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  POULTNEY: 

Gershom  Gifford. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR : 

Jonathan  H.  Hubbard,  Simeon  Ide. 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  WOODSTOCK: 

Joseph  A.  Gallup,  Eoyal  Blake. 

The  Eev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  appointed  President, 
and  the  Eev.  Joel  Clap,  Secretary. 

The  following  report  of  the  Prudential  Committee  was 
presented,  read,  and  accepted. 

Information  with  regard  to  the  present  state  of  the  trust  reposed 
in  the  Agents  of  the  Society's  Lands,  desired  hy  the  public,  and  ex- 
pected by  this  Convention  through  the  medium  of  the  Prudential 
Committee,  remains  still  so  limited  and  ill-defined,  that  their  report 
might  perhaps  as  well  be  dispensed  with.  Many  of  the  lots  still  re- 
main unleased.  Accounts  from  the  County  Agents  are  not  yet  gen- 
erally rendered.  Expenses  in  recovery  and  upon  recent  suits  are  still 
unliquidated.  Back  rents  in  many  cases  are  still  due.  And,  in  a 
word,  the  whole  business  is  in  so  unsettled  a  state,  that  neither  the 
Agents  themselves,  nor  their  Treasurer,  nor  your  Committee,  can 
possibly,  in  any  limited  time,  reduce  confusion  to  order,  or  present 
a  lucid  or  satisfactory  view  of  the  actual  condition  of  their  affairs. 


306  JOUBMAL-1828. 

Your  Committee  can  simply  say,  that  this  unsettled  state  of 
things,  and  this  protracted  delay,  have  mainly  resulted  from  causes 
beyond  the  control  of  the  Agents,  and  entirely  from  the  inconven- 
iences inseparable  from  public  trusts  connected  with  scattered 
property.  No  possible  objection  exists  to  the  exhibition  of  the 
Treasurer's  account  as  it  actually  stands  :  and  that  document  is 
accordingly  appended  to  this  report. 

REPORT  OF  THE  TREASURER  OF  THE  VERMONT  AGENCY  OF  THE  SOCI- 
ETy  FOa  THE  PROPAGATION  OF  THE  GOSPEL  IN  FOREIGN  PARTS. 

1828. 

The  whole  amount  of  monies  received  by  this  Agency  from  its 
first  establishment  to  the  present  time  (exclusive  of  sums 
allowed  to  the  several  County  Agents  for  their  services  in  effect- 
ing leases,  and  money  expended  ;  and  for  services  rendered  by 
other  persons  in  surveying  the  lands  and  organizing  the  busi- 
ness of  the  Agency — for  all  which  payments  have  been  made 
previous  to  this  date,  as  appears  by  the  Treasurer's  books)  is 
six  thousand  thirty-eight  dollars  and  seventy-three 
cents.  $6038.73 

The  following  payments  have  been  made  by  order  of 

the  Agents,  viz. 

Towards  the  expenses  of  sundry  suits  instituted  by 
the  Agents,  and  a  suit  instituted  against  them  by  the 
State  of  Vermont,  which  was  decided  in  their  favor  at 
the  last  October  term  of  the  Circuit  Court,  the  sum  of 
nine  hundred  seventy-five  dollars  and  fifty-five  cents         975.55 

To  the  different  Episcopal  Societies  in  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont the  following  sums,  viz. 

To  the  Society  in  the  town  of  Guilford,  .     .  315.50 

"  Middlebury,       .     .     236.32 

"              "  Fairfield  and  Sheldon,  66.87 

"               "  S  wanton,      .     .     .       12.00 

»               "  Shelburn,        .     .     .  127.66 

"               '«  Ferrisburgh,      .     .       36.00 

"              "  St.  Albans,     .     .     .  113.15 

In  all,  $907.50 


JOTJRJ^AL-1828.  307 

From  the  lands  in  Ferrisburgh  it  is  supposed  by  the 
Treasurer  that  the  Rev.  John  Bristed  has  received,  in 
addition  to  the  sum  of  %  36  mentioned  above,  the  sum 
of  $108 — making  in  all  %  144 — but  as  the  accounts 
are  not  closed,  only  %  36  has  passed  to  account  in  the 
Treasurer's  books. 

It  should  also  be  remarked,  that  the  Treasurer  has  no 
return  for  the  last  year  from  the  county  of  Windham, 
but  has  set  down  the  full  amount  of  rents  secured  in 
Guilford  as  received  by  the  Society  in  that  town — pre- 
suming that  the  whole  was  collected  and  received. 

Sundry  payments  upon  orders  in  favour  of  Anson  J. 
Sperry,  Esq.  drawn  by  the  Agents  upon  the  Treas- 
urer, in  all, 330.00 

do.  upon  orders  drawn  in  favor  of  Abraham  Bronson,        .   387.50 

do.  an  order  in  favour  of  Mr,  Isham  for  monies  by  him 

advanced,        27.00 

Paid  amount  of  an  order  in  favour  of  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop 

Griswold,  dated  Oct.  15,  1825, 100.00 

Paid  bill  of  postage  for  the  last  three  years       ....        13.19 

This  sum  allowed  the  Treasurer  by  the  Agents  as  his 
salary  for  three  years,  ending  June  1,  1828,  at  |50  per 
year, 150.00 

This  sum  paid  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  upon  an  order  in 
favour  of  the  Episcopal  Society  in  Manchester,  for 
monies  advanced  by  said  Society  in  defending  a  law- 
suit in  regard  to  the  Church  lands, 141.00 

Monies  received  by  Daniel  Chipman,  one  of  the  Agents 

in  the  years  1823,  1824,  1825,  and  1826,     ....     1692.03 

It  is  perhaps  proper  to  remark  that  Mr.  Chipman  has  an 
appropriation  in  his  favour  for  $337.58,  for  services 
and  monies  expended  in  the  suit  in  favour  of  the  Soci- 
ety against  the  town  of  New-Haven,  and  also  another 
order  for  $17.00,  for  subsequent  services — making 
in  all, 354.58 

Has  also  %  6  passed  to  his  credit  on  the 
books  for  monies  paid  H.  Richardson 
for  blank  book,        6.00—360.58 


308  JO  URMAL-1 828. 

Which    leaves    a   balance    against   him,  as   the 

.     books  stand,  of 1331.45 

Of  this  he  has  paid  about  %  800  towards  a  claim  in 
favour  of  Mr.  Hopkinson  for  his  services  in  the  New- 
Haven  suit  in  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States, 
and  has  an  account  yet  unliquidated,  which,  it  is  sup- 
posed, will  nearly  cover  the  balance  which  appears 
against  him  on  the  Treasurer's  books. 
This  sum  is  due  from  the  Hon.  Dana  Miller,  who  re- 
signed the  agency  iu  Windham  County  about  one 
year  ago,  and  soon  after  failed — it  is   not  probable 

that  any  thing  will  be  realized, 106.63 

There  is  now  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer,  and  in  the 
hands  of  the  County  Agents,  subject  to  his  order,  this 
sum         708.33 


Amounting  in  all  to  $6038.73 
There  is  to  be  paid  early  in  June  about  $600  to  Mr.  Atkinson 
for  monies  advanced  by  him  in  procuring  evidence  in  England,  and 
sending  out  a  copy  of  the  Society's  charter  under  the  great  seal. 
There  is  also  to  be  paid  to  the  counsel  in  the  cases  pending  $100, 
immediately.  These  sums  will  cover  the  amount  which  the  Treas- 
urer can  command  within  the  next  few  months ;  but  he  hopes 
early  in  the  fall  to  be  able  to  pay  all  arrearages  of  appropriations 
which  have  been  made  to  parishes  and  an  order  for  $100  to  Bishop 
Griswold. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

CALVIN  C.  WALLEK. 
Middlebury,  May  26,  1828. 

To  the  wisdom  of  this  Convention,  upon  the  suggestion  of  one 
of  the  Society's  Agents,  it  seemed  best,  at  their  last  meeting,  to 
resolve, 

"  That  the  Prudential  Committee  be  requested  to  concert  meas- 
ures with  the  Agents  of  the  Society's  Lands,  for  the  purpose  of 
procuring  from  the  Society  in  England  such  documents  and  pow- 
ers, as  may  be  necessary  to  render  their  grant  permanent  and 
effectual,  and  to  adopt  such  other  methods  as  they  may  deem  nec- 
essary towards  rendering  their  appropriation  efficient  aijd  laseful." 


JO  VBKAL-1 828.  309 

Your  Committee,  on  the  day  after  the  rising  of  the  Convention, 
accordingly  met  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Griswold,  and  another  of  the 
Agents  of  the  Society,  and  also  the  Attorney  of  the  Agents,  in 
Windsor,  in  order  to  prepare  proper  documents  to  be  transmitted, 
for  the  purposes  specified  in  the  above  resolution,  by  the  hands  of 
the  Rev,  C.  Chase,  then  purposing  soon  to  embark  for  England. 
Upon  the  failure  of  his  purpose,  this  negotiation  has  been  sus- 
pended from  the  want  of  a  suitable  medium  of  communication 
with  said  Society. 

JOEL  CLAP,  for  Committee. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  a  com- 
mittee of  three  be  aiDpointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
expediency  of  taking  any  measures  in  aid  of  the  Agents  of 
the  Society's  Lands  in  this  State,  to  render  the  execution  ot 
their  trust  more  prompt  and  efficient,  and  report  to  this 
Convention. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  said  committee  :. 
Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Jonathan  H.  Hubbard  and  Jos.  A.  Gallup. 

On  motion,  the  business  of  the  Convention  was  suspended 
for  the  purpose  of  attending  Divine  Service.  Morning 
prayers  were  read  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nash,  and  a  Sermon 
pre'ached  by  the  Rev.  B.  B.  Smith.  After  which  the  Holy 
Communion  was  administered  by  the  Rev.  President.  The 
Convention  then  resumed  business,  and  on  motion  of  the 
Rev,  Mr.  Chase,  adjourned  until  3  o'clock  this  afternoon, 

Wednesday,  3  o'clock,  p.  m. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev,  Mr.  Smith,  Resolved,  That  all 
Clergymen  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  and  candi- 
dates for  holy  orders  in  the  same,  who  may  be  present,  and 
are  not  entitled  to  seats  in  this  Convention,  be  admitted  to 
honorary  seats  in  the  same. 

Whereupon  the  Rev.  Greorge  Leonard,  of  Cornish,  N.  H, 
and  Mr,  George  P,  Williams,  a  candidate  for  Holy  orders, 
appeared  and  took  their  seats. 


310  JOVRJfJ.L-18.28. 

On  motion  by  the  Rev.  B.  B.  Smith,  Eesolved,  That  this 
Convention  now  proceed  to  the  election  of  a  Standing 
Committee  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Whereupon  the  following  gentlemen  were  duly  elected  : 
The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  Rev. 
Joel  Clap,  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rev.  Samuel  B.  Shaw. 

The  following  communication  from  the  Secretary  of  the 
Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  was  read,  and,  on  motion 
of  the  Rev.  B.  B.  Smith,  laid  on  the  table. 

MiDDLEBURY,  Oct.  2,  1827. 

Rev.  and  Dear  Sir:  — 

It  becomes  my  duty  to  communicate  to  you  the  following 
resolutions  of  the  Diocesan  Convention,  passed  at  the  late  session 
at  Claremont,  Sept.  27,  1827. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  0.  Burroughs,  Resolved,  That  this 
Convention  think  it  desirable  and  important  that  the  State  Con- 
ventions of  the  Eastern  Diocese  should,  previous  to  the  next 
meeting  of  the  General  Convention,  express  their  opinions  relative 
to  the  alterations  proposed  in  the  Liturgy  and  in  the  Constitution 
of  the  Church  by  the  last  General  Convention  ;  and  that  this 
resolve  be  communicated  to  the  Secretaries  of  the  respective 
State  Conventions." 

^'  On  motion  of  the  Rev.  A.  L.  Baury,  Resolved,  That  the  Secre- 
tary be  requested  to  call  upon  the  Secretaries  of  the  several  State 
Conventions  composing  this  Diocese,  with  a  view  of  ascertaining 
if  any  thing,  and  what  has  been  done,  for  the  more  effectual  sup- 
port of  the  Episcopate,  and  that  they  be  requested  to  report  to 
the  next  Convention  of  this  Diocese. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be. 

With  perfect  respect, 

Yours,  &c. 

B.  B.  SMITH,  Secretary. 
Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Secretary  of  the  Convention 

of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Vermont. 

On  report  of  the  committee  appointed  by  the  last  conven- 
tion to  take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  adopting 


JOURJ^AL-1828.  311 

measures  for  the  separation  of  this  State  from  the  Eastern 
Diocese,  it  was  Eesolved,  that  the  further  consideration  of 
this  subject  be  indefinitely  postponed. 
The  following  Parochial  Eeports  were  presented  and  read: 

ZION  CHURCH,  MAXCHESTER. 

ABRAHAM  BKONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  4 ;  Marriages,  2 ;  Funeral  1 ;  Communicants,  34. 

There  is  a  Sunday  School  Society  connected  with  this  parish, 
auxiliar}'  to  the  the  General  Sunday  School  Union  of  the  church, 
also  an  Auxiliary  Female  Missionary  Society,  and  a  Juvenile  Fe- 
male Prayer  Book  and  Tract  Society.  The  course  of  Biblical  in- 
struction to  the  young  people  has  been  continued,  and,  it  is  hoped, 
with  material  benefit.  Through  the  instrumentality  of  this  parish, 
a  Library  Society  has  been  formed  in  the  town ;  and,  besides  the 
funds  raised  by  the  proprietors,  it  has  received  a  donation  of 
books,  estimated  at  more  than  two  hundred  dollars,  from  a  de- 
ceased patron.  The  Rector  continues  his  Sunday  evening  lectures 
in  Dorset.  The  parish  have  within  a  short  time  raised  money  to 
purchase  a  church  bell,  which  is  to  be  ready  for  their  use  in  a 
few  days. 

*  BETHEL  CHURCH,  ARLINGTON. 

J.  nOWLAND  COIT,  RECTOR. 

Communicants,  100;  Baptisms  (infants  3,  adults  7) — 10; 
Death,  1 ;  Marriages,  4. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD. 

S.  B.   SHAW,  RECTOR. 

Within  the  year  past  there  have  been  baptized,  in  this  parish, 
ten  persons,  two  of  whom  were  adults ;  fifteen  couples  have  been 
married.  There  have  been  eleven  burials  and  sixteen  births. 
Five  have  been  added  to  the  communion,  and  one  communicant 
has  died ;  present  number,  fifty-eight.     There  are  in  this  parish 

*This  report  was  forwarded  after  the  rising  of  the  Convention. 


312  JOURmiL-1828. 

two  Sunday  Schools,  containing  between  seventy  and  eighty 
scholars,  and  two  Bible  Classes  of  young  ladies.  There  are 
ninety-two  families  which  regularly  attend  church,  and  about  four 
hundred  and  fifty  souls  in  the  parish.  The  church  on  the  whole 
may  be  considered  as  flourishing.  Although  she  has  lost  in  the 
death- of  the  Senior  Warden  an  ardent  and  valuable  friend,  never- 
theless the  Divine  blessing  has  not  deserted  her.  Her  services  on 
the  Sabbath  are  remarkably  well  attended,  and  the  hostility 
manifested  by  other  denominations  in  former  times,  has  almost 
entirely  ceased. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS. 

CARLTON  CHASE,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  5  ;  Death  ( of  a  child  by  accident),  1 ;  Marriage,  1 ; 
Communicants,  46. 

Of  the  names  standing  on  our  Register  at  the  last  convention 
we  have  lost  several  by  removals,  while  our  number  around  the 
altar  has  been  kept  good  by  additions.  Although  this  parish  has 
for  several  years  had  its  Sunday  School,  and  has  felt  somewhat  of 
the  good  effects  of  those  institutions,  yet  it  may  be  reported,  that 
during  the  past  year  the  subject  has  excited  a  singularly  deep 
and  general  interest.  The  method  of  inciting  to  industry  by  the 
distribution  of  graduated  rewards  has  been  laid  aside.  A  library 
has  been  formed,  consisting  of  one  hundred  and  eighty  volumes. 
The  use  of  this,  together  with  the  constant  exertions  of  the 
teachers  to  render  the  studies  and  exercises  interesting,  has  been 
found  to  furnish  a  sufficient  incitement.  The  school  was  not 
suspended  during  the  winter.  The  rolls  for  this  season  will  prob- 
ably show  about  sixty  scholars.  Exertions  have  recently  been 
made  to  form  a  parish  library,  and  made  with  pleasing  success. 
The  amount  of  subscriptions  and  donations  for  that  purpose 
(  mostly  cash)  is  not  far  from  one  hundred  and  twenty  dollars, 
which  will  be  immediately  appropriated.  It  may  be  proper  to 
mention  also,  that  during  the  year  the  ladies  of  the  parish  have 
formed  a  society  for  useful  and  benevolent  objects — the  principal 
of  which  are  the  distribution  of  the  Scriptures  among  the  needy, 
and  the  increase  of  the  parish  library.  Their  income  for  this 
year  is  estimated  at  about  forty  dollars. 


JOVRKAL—1828.  313 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR. 

GEORGE  LEONARD,  RECTOR. 

There  liave  been  in  tliis  Church  the  year  past,  8  baptisms — 2 
adults  and  6  children ;   2  marriages,  and  4  burials. 

The  year  previous,  for  which  there  was  no  report  made  to  the 
last  Convention,  owing  to  the  absence  of  the  Rector,  there  were 
8  baptisms  (all  children) ;  2  marriages,  and  2  burials. 

The  number  of  communicants  in  St.  Paul's  Church  is  30 ;  the 
Church  since  its  orgauization  in  1816  having  suffered  heavily  by 
deaths  and  removals,  and  four  members  having  withdrawn  them- 
selves from  communicating,  without  giving  a  reason  for  so  doing. 

The  Sunday  School  consists  of  about  30  scholars. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL. 

JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR, 

Baptisms  (adults  3,  infants  5)  —  8  ;  Funerals,  2  ;  Marriages,  1 ; 
Communicants,  88. 

On  the  first  of  November  last,  the  undersigned  left  the  charge 
of  Trinity  Church,  Shelburn,  and  removed  to  this  parish,  and 
assumed  the  duties  of  its  rector,  since  which  time  his  labors  have 
been  divided  between  this  and  the  parish  of  St.  James'  Church, 
Woodstock.  The  parsonage,  very  much  to  the  praise  of  the 
parish,  is  completed;  but  it  is  a  subject  of  deep  regret  that  our 
expectation  in  relation  to  the  establishment  of  a  parochial  library 
is  not  yet  realized. 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  WOODSTOCK. 

JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adult  1,  infants  2) —  3;  Funerals,  3;  Communi- 
cants, 24. 

Under  the  divine  blessing,  the  church  edifice,  in  which  we  are 
now  assembled,  is  very  nearly  completed,  and  much  credit  is  due 
for  the  very  great  exertions  which  have  been  made  by  the  parish, 
yet  in  its  infancy,  in  furnishing  it  with  a  bell  and  organ,  and 
fitting  it  up  in  such  convenient  order  for  the  celebration  of  pub- 
lic worship. 


314  JOURmdL-1828. 

A  Sunday  School,  consisting  of  about  40  scholars,  has  been 
recently  organized,  under  the  superintendence  of  Mr.  George  P. 
Williams,  which  is  in  a  very  prosperous  condition.  And  chiefly 
through  the  liberality  of  the  ladies  of  the  parish,  about  $30.00 
have  been  raised  for  the  purchase  of  a  library  for  the  use  of  said 
School. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY. 

B.  B.  SMITH,  RECTOR. 

The  new  church  edifice  was  so  far  completed  as  to  be  consecra- 
ted on  the  14th  of  October  last,  but  has  been  occupied  as  the 
regular  place  of  worship  only  since  the  first  of  December.  Since 
that  time  the  congregation  has  very  considerably  increased.  In- 
deed, upon  a  review  of  ihe  last  five  years,  it  appears  that  it  has 
nearly  doubled.  At  that  time  about  30  families  and  8  single 
male  contributors,  made  up  the  whole  parish.  Death  and  remov- 
als have  reduced  considerably  this  number.  The  parish  now 
consists  of  about  50  families,  and  20  single  male  supporters.  By 
a  like  review  of  communicants  it  appears  that  30  were  connected 
.with  the  church  at  the  first  report  of  the  present  Rector.  Other 
33  have  been  added  during  his  ministry.  But  by  death,  removal, 
&c.  the  number  is  reduced  to  the  same  last  reported. 

Communicants,  46;  Baptisms  (infants  10,  adults  2)  —  12; 
Funerals,  4 ;  Marriages,  7. 

The  temporal  interests  of  the  parish  were,  perhaps,  never  as 
prosperous  and  promising.  But  whilst  the  very  remarkable  and 
gracious  providence  of  God  in  this  respect  is  very  thankfully 
acknowledged ;  there  is  the  more  occasion  bitterly  to  deplore  the 
indifference  which  prevails  with  regard  to  the  real  spiritual  con- 
cerns of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom !  May  the  immortal  interests 
of  the  people  experience  a  blessing  far  excelling  all  providential 
bounties  heretofore  received. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURN. 

LOUIS  MCDONALD,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  2  ;  Marriages,  3  ;  Funerals,  7  ;  Communicants,  80. 
The  present  Rector  has  officiated  in  this  parish  from  the  first 
day  of  November  last,  to  the  present  time.     A  Bible  Class  has 


JOURMAL-1828.  315 

been  recently  formed,  from  which  much  good  is  anticipated. 
Though  struggling  with  some  inconsiderable  difficulties,  the  affairs 
of  the  society  ai'e  prosperous,  and  with  the  Divine  blessing  it  has 
little  to  fear. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS. 

S.  NASH,  RECTOR. 

Marriages,  3 ;  Baptisms  (two  adults),  6 ;  Confirmed,  7 ;  Funer- 
als (11  unbaptized),  1-4;  Communicants,  27;  Removed,  3. 

Renewed  exertions  have  lately  been  made  in  favour  of  a  Sunday 
School,  the  result  of  which  is  a  flourishing  school  of  75  scholars. 

The  congregation  in  the  corner  of  Fairfax  continues  nearly 
as  reported  last  year. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

MOORE  BINGHAM,  MINISTER. 

Communicants  (added  5,  suspended  1) — 44;  Baptisms  (adults 
3,  children  and  infants  7)  —  10  ;   Marriage,  1  ;   Funerals,  4. 

TRINITY  CHURCH.  FAIRFIELD. 

MOORE  BINGHAM,  MINISTER. 

Communicants,  (added,  2  ;  suspended,  1 ;  restored,  1)  —  69  ; 
Baptisms  (adults  1,  infants  4)  —  5  ;  Funerals,  2. 

There  are  several  persons  wishing  to  unite  with  this  church, 
who  as  yet  by  reason  of  great  distance,  or  for  other  causes,  have 
been  prevented  from  doing  it  publicly  on  communion  days.  They 
will,  it  is  hoped,  improve  the  first  opportunity  of  solemnly  renew- 
ing their  baptismal  covenant,  by  faithfully  coming  to  this  holy 
Sacrament. 

CALVARY  CHURCH,  BERKSHIRE. 

RICHARD  PECK,  RECTOR. 

Marriages,  2  ;  Funerals,  8 ;  Confirmations,  19  ;  Communicants 
(added  5)  —  60. 


316  JOURJrAL-1828. 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY. 

RICHARD  PECK,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (infants  3,  adults  1)  — 4  ;  Funerals,  3  ;  Confirmations 
20  ;  Communicants  (added  22)  —  55. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  ENOSBURGH. 

RICHARD  PECK,  VISITING  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  (infant  1,  adults  2)  —  3 ;  Funerals,  3  ;  Confirmations, 
7  ;  Communicants  (added  3,  removed  6)  —  10. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  the  Prudential 
Committee  for  the  year  ensuing  :  Eev.  Joel  Clap,  Hon. 
Jonathan  H.  Hubbard,  Rev.  Benjamin  B.  Smith,  Thomas 
P.  Russell,  and  Alexander  Fleming,  Esqrs. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  Delegates  to  the 
General  Convention  :  Clergy,  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev. 
Benjamin  B.  Smith,  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rev.  Joel  Clap. 
Laymen,  Dudley  Chase,  Alexander  Fleming,  George  Cleave- 
land.  Royal  Blake. 

The  following  report  of  the  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent 

Fund  was  presented,  read,  and  accepted. 

The  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund, 

In  account  with  the  Convention  :  Dr. 

To  cash  on  hand,  as  per  last  report, $87.35 

To  oblation  this  day  received, 10.68 

Contributions  this  day  received  from  the  following  Parishes: 

Union  Church,  St.  Albans, 4.87 

St.  Stephen's  Church,  Middlebury,      .     .     .  •  .  5.00 
St.  John's  Church,  Poultney,       .     .     .     .     .     2.50 

Christ  Church,  Bethel, 9.00 

Immanuel  Church,  Bellows  Falls,      ....     7.00 
To  interest  on  $75.35,  eleven  months, 4.24 

$130.64 
Per'Contra:  Cr. 

By  cash  paid  David  Watson  for  printing  Journals  of  1827,  $12.00 

Balance  on  hand, $118.64 

May  28,  1828.  ,       JOEL  CLAP,  Treasurer. 


J0URJ{AL-1828.  317 

On  motion  by  Kev.  B.  B.  Smith,  Eesolved,  That  the  next 
annual  meeting  of  this  Convention  be  held  at  Middlebury. 

On  motion  by  Kev.  C.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  in  consider- 
ation of  the  report  made  to  this  Convention  on  the  subject  of 
the  Church  Lands  in  this  State,  it  is  inexpedient  to  take 
any  further  measures  respecting  the  report  of  the  Pruden- 
tial Committee,  made  to  the  Convention-  in  ]827,  and 
postponed  from  that  time  to  this. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 

Thursday,  May  29th,  9  o'clock,  a.  m. 

Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  following  report  was  presented,  read  and  accepted  ; 
and  the  resolution  contained  in  it  adopted: 

The  Standing  Committee,  to  whom  was  referred  a  communica- 
tion from  the  Secretary  of  the  House  of  Clerical  and  Lay  Depu- 
ties of  the  General  Convention,  relating  to  certain  proposed 
alterations  in  the  liturgy,  recommend  the  following  resolution  to 
be  adopted  by  this  Convention  : 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  are  convinced  of  the  expediency 
of  making  some  alterations  in  the  liturgy  of  the  Church,  and  es- 
pecially of  shortening  the  morning  service:  but  the  proposed  amend- 
ments, taken  together,  are  not  such  as  they  think  best  calculated 
to  effect  the  desired  object.  They  would,  however,  express  the 
opinion,  that  the  proposed  form  of  a  Preface  to  the  Confirmation 
Office,  is  preferable  to  the  one  now  in  use,  and  if  it  may  be  acted 
upon  by  itself,  they  would  recommend  its  adoption. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  Chairman. 

The  following  report  was  read  and  accepted  : 
The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred,  by  a  resolution  of  yes- 
terday, the  subject  of  the  expediency  of  taking  measures  in  aid 
of  the  Agents  of  the  Society's  lands  in  this  State,  with  a  view  to 
render  the  execution  of  their  trust  more  prompt  and  efficient 
having  attended  to  the  duties  of  their  appointment,  beg  leave  to 
report : — 


318  JOURJfAL-1828. 

That  they  consider  it  expedient  and  necessary,  that  measures 
be  immediately  taken  for  obtaining  of  the  Society  in  England, 
the  addition  of  three  or  four  persons  to  the  present  number  of 
Trustees,  or  General  Agents, — and  also  of  securing,  if  possible, 
a  perpetuation  of  the  board  : 

That  the  agents  who  are  charged  with  the  collection  of  the 
rents  of  said  lands,  be  requested  to  enforce  the  collection  of  the 
same  as  soon  as  they  become  due,  and  to  pay  the  same  over  to 
the  Treasurer  immediately : 

That  measures  be  immediately  taken  to  cause  to  be  leased  all 
such  of  the  said  lands  as  have  not  already  been  leased,  so  far  at 
least  as  the  same  may  be  practicable. 

The  Committee  conclude  with  recommending  that  the  Pruden- 
tial Committee  be  charged  with  the  duty  of  conferring  with  the 
Agents  or  Trustees,  and  of  concerting  and  prosecuting  measures 
for  effecting  the  objects  contemplated  in  this  Report. 

C.  CHASE,  Chairman  of  Cora. 

On  motion  by  the  Rev.  B.  B.  Smith,  Resolved,  That  the 
Prudential  Committee  be  charged  with  the  execution  of  the 
measures  recommended  in  the  above  report.  • 

On  motion  by  the  Rev.  C.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  the 
Secretary  be  directed  to  publish  at  the  expense  of  the 
contingent  fund,  six  hundred  copies  of  the  Journal  of  the 
proceedings  of  this  Convention. 

The  Rev.  Abraham    Bronson  was    appointed    to  preach 
before  the  next  annual  meeting  of  this  Convention,  and  the 
Rev.  Carlton  Chase  was  appointed  his  substitute. 
On  motion,  the  Convention  adjourned,  without  day. 
A  true  Record. 

Attest, 

JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 

The  following  paragraphs  are  quoted  from  the  Address  of 
Bishop  Griswold  to  the  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  held 
at  Bellows  Falls,  Sept.  24th,  1828. 


JOVRKAL-1828.  319 

"  Being  permitted,  through  the  Lord's  patient  goodness,  thus  to 
meet  you  a^aia,  I  p'roceed  to  lay  before  you  some  account  of  my 
official  performances  during  the  year  past,  and  of  the  present  state 
of  the  Churches  under  our  care." 

"  Those  which,  since  welast  met,  I  have  visited,  including  some 
few  which,  the  Lord  permitting,  I  hope  very  soon  to  visit,  are,  or 
will  be,  all  in  Rhode  Island,  excepting  St.  Paul's  in  Wick  ford,  all 
in  New-Hampshire,  excepting  LEolderness  ;  and  in  Maine,  with  the 
exception  of  Gardner.  In  Massachusetts,  all  but  those  in  Bridge- 
water,  Salem,  Marblehead,  Newburyport,  Lanesborough,  Otis, 
Blanford  and  Lenox.     In  Vermont,  all  without  exception." 

"  The  number  confirmed  is  two  hundred  and  thirty-two,  which 
may  seem   to   be  small,  but  our   parishes    are    also   small,    a  few 

excepted." 

"  During  the  year,  Orange  Clark,  Joseph  H.  Rice,  James  H. 
Tyng,  and  Benjamin  Hale,  have  been  received  as  Candidates  for 
Holy  Orders." 

"  The  names  of  those  who  have  been  ordained  Deacons  are 
William  Horton,  James  Everett  and  Norris  M.  Jones ;  and  of 
those  advanced  to  the  Priesthood,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Richard  Peck, 
Moore  Bingham,  Louis  McDonald,  Joseph  H.  Coit,  Thomas  W. 
Coit  and  George  Richardson.  " 

**  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  B.  Drane,  Joseph  H.  Coit,  George 
Griswold,  Moore  Bingham  and  Benjamin  B.  Smith  have  taken  Let- 
ters Dimissory  from  this  Diocese,  as  have  also  several  of  our  Can- 
didates, and  have  removed  to  other  parts.  " 

"  Immediately  after  our  last  Convention  in  Claremont,  I  pro- 
ceeded to  visit  the  Churches  in  Vermont.  I  found  the  new  parish 
in  Woodstock  going  forward  with  vigour  and  zeal.  Their  new 
Church,  the  Lord  permitting,  will  be  set  apart  for  its  sacred  use 
on  Sunday  next." 

"  In  Bethel,  the  Parish,  with  their  accustomed  piety  and  zeal, 
have  built  a  very  convenient  house  for  the  use  of  their  minister,  in 
which  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clap  resides — his  services  being  now  divided 
between  Bethel  and  Woodstock." 

"  In  Berkshire,  on  the  4th  of  October,  the  Rev.  Richard  Peck 
was  ordained  Priest.  His  labours  in  that  part  of  the  State  ap- 
peared to  have  been  very  much  blessed;  of  which  we  had  pleasing 


320  J0TJRJ{AL-1828. 

evidence  in  seeing  forty-five  persons,  with  much  appearance  of  sin- 
cere devotion,  come  to  confirmation.  In  Fairfield,  also,  on  the  7th 
the  Rev.  Moore  Bingham  was  ordained  Priest  ;  but  he  has  since 
left  his  parishes,  Sheldon  and  Fairfield,  which  are  now  vacant." 

"  The  Church  in  St.  Albans,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Nash,  is  flourishing,  and  his  labours  there  are  blessed. 
The  Lord  will  not  forsake  a  people,  who  do  so  much  for  His 
honor  as  that  little  flock  has  done." 

"  In  Shelburne,  on  the  10th  of  October,  1827,  the  Rev.  Louis 
McDonald  was  likewise  advanced  to  the  order  of  Priesthood  ;  and 
was  soon  after  instituted  as  Minister  of  that  Parish,  which  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Clap  had  previously  resigned.  " 

"On  the  14th,  of  October  1827,  the  beautiful  stone  edifice  in 

Middlebury  was  consecrated  to  God's  holy  worship,  bj'  the  name  of 

St.  Stephen's  Church.     The  services  in  all  respects  of  interest  and 

.  solemnity,  and  we  trust  of  profit,  were  not  behind  those  on  other 

like  occasions." 

"In  Arlington,  on  the  18th  of  the  same  month,  the  Rev.  Joseph 
H.  Coit  was  ordained  Priest.  He  also  has  left  that  parish  vacant, 
and  has  taken  a  dismission  from  this  Diocese." 

"  We  have  occasion  for  gratulation  and  praise  to  God  for  the 
progress  of  His  kingdom  in  this  sinful  world.  Among  Christians 
generally,  learning  and  the  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures  are  evi- 
dently increasing.  On  the  one  hand,  enthusiasm  is  more  and 
more  tempered  by  rational  piety ;  and  on  the  other,  the  form  of 
godliness  is  more  enlivened  by  its  power.  Serious  Christians 
generally  are  becoming  more  sensible  of  what  are  the  true  prin- 
ciples of  their  holy  faith ;  and  they  better  distinguish  what  an 
Apostle  calls  the  'gold  and  silver  and  precious  stones'  of  religion, 
from  its  'wood,  hay  and  stubble.'  They  who  have  been  acquainted 
with  the  Church  for  the  last  thirty,  or  even  twenty  years,  must 
have  noticed  this  remarkable  change  in  the  style  of  preaching,  in 
the  comparative  regard  for  the  distinguishing  doctrines  of  the 
Cross,  and  the  spirituality  of  religion  ;  and  in  a  holy,  disinterested 
zeal  for  imparting  the  knowledge  of  Christ,  and  the  saving  truths 
of  His  Gospel  to  all  who  are  sitting  in  darhiess,  and  are  without 
God  in  the  world.  In  our  own  country,  at  no  other  period  has 
this  change  been  so  rapid,  and  so  apparent,  as  during  the  year  or 


JOUBjYAL-1828.  321 

two  last  past.  It  is  particularly  pleasing  to  contemplate  the 
change  in  this  Diocese.  When,  eighteen  years  since,  it  was 
organized,  true  Church  principles,  with  few  exceptions,  were  less 
regarded.  The  doctrines  of  the  Reformation  were  not  so  generally 
and  suitably  enforced ;  and  it  is  certain  that  the  authority  of  the 
Church,  and  of  our  General  Convention,  were  held  in  much  less 
estimation.  How  great  since  has  been  the  change  in  the  increase 
of  our  numbers,  the  union  of  our  Churches,  and  the  correctness  of 
our  principles  !  If  we  bring  into  view,  what  to  judge  accurately 
we  must  do,  the  comparative  increase  of  population  in  the  different 
States,  our  increase,  in  the  number  of  our  Clergy,  and  Churches, 
and  Communicants,  has  been  greater  than  in  any  other  of 
the  northern  or  middle  States.  The  union  of  our  Churches,  with- 
out interruption,  has  been,  and  still  is  increasing;  party  distinc- 
tions are  happily  scarce  known  among  us  ;  and  they  should  be  con- 
sidered our  enemies  who  would  introduce  them.  The  true  princi- 
ples of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  can,  I  verily  believe,  in  no 
part  of  this  world  be  found  in  greater  perfection,  than  in  this 
Diocese.  It  is  delightful  to  see  the  reverence  which  our  Clergv 
and  people  now  generally  have  for  the  order  and  worship  of  the 
Church,  and  for  the  General  Convention.  I  cannot  sufficiently 
express  my  thanks  to  the  Father  of  Mercies,  and  the  Head  of  the 
Church,  that  especially  we  have  in  this  Diocese  a  body  of  Clercry 
so  decidedly  attached  to  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  so  zealous  in 
support  of  distinctive  principles,  without  any  leaning  to  popery 
or  abandonment  of  Protestant  principles  or  neglect  of  Evangelical 
truth." 

"But  while  we  offer  the  just  tribute  of  praise  to  God  for  so  great 
a  blessing,  let  us  not  deceive  ourselves  in  a  vain  confidence  of  boast- 
ing, nor  because  in  these  things  we  are  much  better  than  in  times 
past,  suppose  we  are  all  which  we  ought  to  be.  We  of  the  Epis- 
copal Church,  are  indeed  too  much  given  to  commend  ourselves, 
and  we  may  even  fear  that  the  cant  of  sectarianism  isgrowino-  upon 
us.  A  habit  of  complacency  in  thinking  and  speakini^  of  our 
orthodoxy,  and  the  superior  excellence  of  our  Ecclesiastical  system, 
naturally  leads  us  to  put  too  much  confidence  in  our  profession, 
and  to  be  so  satisfied  with  ourselves  as  to  make  less  improvement, 
Let  us  not  forget  who  it  is  that  makes  us  to  difier  from  others  : 


322  JOURM'J.L-1829. 

and  that  for  all  wliich  God  gives  us  we  are  accountable  to  Him. 
If  in  our  religious  privileges  we  are  indeed  more  blest  than  other 
Christians,  we  are  also  more  sinful,  and  more  to  be  condemned 
than  other  Christians,  if  we  do  not  also  as  much  excel  them  in  the 
fruits  of  the  Spirit,  and  a  zeal  for  God.  We  cannot  be  the  best 
friends  of  religion,  except  we  are  the  most  willing  and  most  for- 
ward in  promoting  its  general  interests  ;  nor  the  best  friends  of 
the  Church,  if  we  are  not  the  most  active  in  doing  that  which  will 
best  increase  the  number  and  faith  and  piety  of  its  members.  Onr 
Lord's  rule  is  :  '  By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them.'  Truly  to 
love  Him  is  to  believe  His  word  and  do  His  work."  Episcopal 
Register  vol.  iii,  pp.  165 — 170. 


1829. 

Wednesday,  May  27th,  1829. 
This  being  the  day  designated  by  the  Constitution  of  the 
Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Vermont, 
for  the  annual  meeting  of  that  body,  a  number  of  the  Clergy 
and  Lay  Delegates  assembled  in  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Mid- 
dlebury,  at  9  o'clock,  a.  m.  The  Convention  was  called  to 
order  by  the  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson. 

Present  : 
Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rector  of  Zion  Churchjil/awc/ies^er. 
Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rector  of  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows 

Falls. 
Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Bethel,  and  St. 

James'  Church,  Woodstock. 
Rev.  Louis  McDonald,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Shelburn. 
Rev.  Sylvester  Nash,  Rector  of  Union  Church,  >S'^.  Albans. 

The  following  gentlemen  presented  their  Credentials,  and 
took  their  seats  as  Lay  Delegates  : 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY : 

Horatio  Seymour,  George  Cleaveland, 

Joel  Doolittle,  Dorastus  Wooster. 


JOVBKAL-1820.  323 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURN: 
Joshua  Isham. 

union  church,  st.  albans: 
John  Richardson. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD: 

Abijah  Hawlet. 

The  Eev.  Abrahcara  Bronson  was  appoiated  President, 
and  the  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Secretary. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  President  be,  and  he 
hereby  is,  authorized  to  invite  Clergymen  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  and  candidates  for  holy  orders  in  the  same, 
who  may  be  present,  to  the  sittings  of  the  Convention. 

In  pursuance  of  the  above  resolution,  the  Rev.  George 
Leonard,  of  the  Diocese  of  New-Hampshire,  and  the  Rev. 
Moore  Bingham,  of  the  Diocese  of  New- York,  appeared  and 
took  their  seats. 

On  motion  of  Hon.  Dorastus  Wooster,  Resolved,  that  a 
committee  be  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of 
petitioning  the  "  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  in  For- 
eign Parts,"  to  appoint  a  new  agency  and  new  Agents,  to 
superintend  the  avails  of  their  lands  in  Vermont. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  a  committee 
upon  the  above  resolution :  Hon.  Dorastus  Wooster,  Rev. 
Joel  Clap,  and  Hon.  Horatio  Seymour. 

The  Convention  was  then  adjourned  for  the  purpose  of 
attending  Divine  Service.  Morning  Prayers  were  read  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  and  a  Sermon  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Bronson.  The  Holy  Communion  was  then  administered, 
after  which  the  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment, 
and  adjourned  until  3  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Three  o'clock,  p.  m. 
The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 
The  following  report  was  presented,  read  and  accepted, 
and  the  Resolution,  which  it  contains,  adopted  : 


324  JO  XJE:KAL-1  829. 

The  Committee  raised  on  the  resolution  presented  by 
D.  Wooster,  have  had  that  subject  under  consideration,  and 
approve  of  the  measures  recommended  by  the  committee  of 
the  last  annual  Convention,  to  which  the  same  subject  was 
referred,  and  they  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following 
resolution  : 

Besolved,  That  the  Prudential  Committee  be  instructed 
to  continue  their  exertions  to  carry  into  effect  the  recom- 
mendations of  the  committee  of  the  last  annual  Convention, 
to  which  was  referred  the  subject  of  aiding  the  Agents  of 
the  Society's  lands  in  this  state  in  rendering  the  execution 
of  their  trust  more  prompt  and  efficient ;  and  that  said  com- 
mittee be  further  requested  to  procure  from  the  Agents,  a 
detailed  statement  of  the  proceeds  of  the  lands  in  season  to 
be  laid  before  the  Convention  at  its  annual  meeting  in  each 

year, 

D.  WOOSTER,  for  Committee. 

Gershom  Gifford  appeared,  presented  his  Credentials,  and 
took  his  seat,  as  Lay  Delegate  from  St.  John's  Church, 
Poultney. 

On  motion  of  Hon.  Horatio  Seymour,  Resolved,  That  a 
committee  be  raised  to  procure  from  the  Agents  of  the 
Society's  lands  in  this  State,  a  full  and  detailed  statement 
of  the  situation  of  the  funds  they  have  charge  of,  showing 
the  quantity  of  land  leased,  the  annual  amount  of  rents  that 
have  been  received,  the  amount  that  remains  due,  and  the 
expenses  that  have  been  incurred,  and  other  disbursements, 
for  the  use  of  the  Convention. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
carry  into  effect  the  foregoing  resolution  :  Hon.  Dorastus 
Wooster,  Horatio  Seymour,  and  Joel  Doolittle. 

On  motion  of  Hon.  D.  Wooster,  Resolved,  That  a  com- 
mittee of  three  be  appointed  to  nominate  four  suitable  per- 
sons, residents  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  to  be  recommended 
by  this  Convention  to  the  Society,  to  be  appointed  addi- 


JOUBJ^AL-1829.  325 

tional  Agents,  agreeably  to  a  foregoing   resolution  of  this 
Convention. 

The  following  committee  was  accordingly  appointed  :  Rev. 
Carlton  Chase,  Joshua  Isham,  and  Dorastus  Wooster. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  proceeded  to  the  election  of 
the  Standing  Committee  for  the  year  ensuing ;  when  the  fol- 
lowing gentlemen  were  duly  elected  : 

Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rev.  Carlton 
Chase,  Rev.  Sylvester  Nash,  and  Rev.  Samuel  B.  Shaw, 

The  following  Delegates  were  appointed  to  represent  this 
Convention  in  the  next  General  Convention :  Rev.  Abra- 
ham Bronson,  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  and 
Rev.  Sylvester  Nash,  of  the  Clergy. — Hon.  Dudley  Chase, 
George  Cleaveland,  Alexander  Fleming,  Esqrs.  and  Mr. 
Cyrel  Fuller  of  the  Laity. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  the  Prudential 
Committee  for  the  year  ensuing  :  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rev. 
Joel  Clap,  and  Hon.  Jonathan  H.  Hubbard. 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  nominated  as  a  Trustee 
of  the  General  Theological  Seminary. 

Adjourned  until  7  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Thursday,  7  o'clock,  a.  m. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

The  following  report  of  the  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent 
Fund  was  presented,  read  and  accepted. 
The  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fdnd, 

In  account  with  the  Convention  :  Dr. 

To  cash  on  hand,  as  per  last  report,        $118.64 

To  contribution  taken  up  during  the  present  session  of 

the  Convention, 6.56 

Contribution  from  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows  Falls,    .     .     .   8.40 

Christ  Church,  Bethel, 4.93 

"  Zion  Church,  Manchester, 3.00 

Interest  on  $106.64  for  12  months, 6.39 

$147.92 
Per  Contra  :  Cr. 

With  cash  paid  D.  Watson  for  printing  Journal  of  1828,     $12.00 

Balance  on  hand,     ....     $135.92 
JOEL  CLAP,  Treasurer. 


326  JO  TJBKAL-1 829. 

On  motion  of  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  the  Presi- 
dent of  this  Convention  be  and  hereby  is  directed  to  issue 
in  favor  of  each  of  the  Delegates,  Clerical  and  Lay,  who  shall 
attend  the  General  Convention  to  be  holden  at  Philadelphia 
on  the  12th  day  of  August  next,  his  order  on  the  Treasurer 
of  the  Contingent  Fund  to  the  amount  of  twenty  dollars,  or 
such  proportionate  sum  as  the  state  of  the  fund  will  justify. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr,  Chase,  Resolved,  That  the 
Secretary  be  directed  to  publish  six  hundred  copies  of  the 
Journal  of  the  proceedings  of  this  Convention,  at  the  expense 
of  the  Contingent  Fund. 

The  following  report  of  the  Prudential  Committee  was 
read  and  accepted  : 

It  is  with  deep  regret  your  Committee  are  obliged  again  to 
report  their  inability  to  exhibit  a  satisfactory  statement  of  the 
situation  of  the  lands  in  this  State,  appropriated  to  the  use  of  the 
Church. 

But  one  of  the  suits  pending  at  the  last  meeting,  is  yet  decided. 
In  the  suit  instituted  by  the  State  for  the  recovery  of  the  land  in 
Berlin,  which  was  intended  to  test  the  Society's  title  to  lands  held 
under  the  New-Hampshire  charters,  the  decision  in  favor  of  the 
Society  is  confirmed  ;  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States 
having  decided  that  it  did  not  come  within  their  jurisdiction.  In 
the  other  suit  carried  up  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United 
States,  there  has  been,  as  yet,  no  hearing. 

But  few  leases  have  been  executed  by  the  Agents  during  the 
past  year ;  and  no  meeting  of  that  Board  has  been  held. 

Your  Committee  have  been  waiting  the  arrival  of  a  gentleman 
from  England,  through  whom  they  intended  making  communica- 
tions to  the  Society  in  England,  relative  to  the  alteration  in  the 
power  of  attorney,  suggested  by  the  resolution  of  the  last  Conven- 
tion upon  that  subject. 

JOEL  CLAP,  for  Committee. 


JOUBjYAL-1S29.  327 

The  following  Parochial  Keports  were  presented  and  read  : 
BETHEL  CHURCH,  ARLINGTON. 

J.  M.  TAPPAN,    MINISTER. 

By  request  of  this  parish,  I  commenced  with  them  my  labors 
on  the  16th  November  of  last  year.  For  several  months  before 
my  engagement  with  this  people,  the  constant  services  of  the 
church  had  not  been  performed  among  them.  I  found  them  quite 
anxious  for  the  residence  of  a  clergyman,  who  should  be  constant 
and  faithful  in  breaking  to  them  the  bread  of  life,  according  to 
the  practice  and  principles  of  our  church.  An  engagement  was 
made  with  me  to  remain  with  them  for  the  space  of  six  months. 
That  period  has  now  elapsed,  and  a  further  engagement  for  one 
year  is  now  contemplated.  In  all  probability,  for  the  present 
year,  there  will  be  a  heavy  tax  upon  this  parish,  which  will  give 
some  check  to  their  ability  for  the  support  of  a  clergyman.  Their 
attention  and  exertions  are  now  turned  toward  the  praiseworthy 
design  of  erecting  a  new  house  of  worship.  A  new  building  for 
the  accommodation  of  this  congregation  is  considered  necessary, 
and  without  doubt  will  speedily  be  erected.  The  people  of  this 
parish  generally  are  much  attached  to  the  principles,  doctrines, 
and  services  of  our  church ;  and  seem  disposed  to  contribute 
cheerfully  for  the  advantages  which  come  to  mankind  through 
the  gospel  of  Christ.  And,  upon  the  whole,  prospects  are  en- 
couraging for  the  continued  prosperity  of  this  parish. 

Within  a  few  weeks,  a  Bible  Class  has  been  formed,  and  a  Sun- 
day School  of  about  forty  scholars,  is  in  a  flourishing  state.  The 
number  of  communicants  in  this  parish  is  one  hundred.  Since 
my  residence  here  there  have  been  five  Baptisms  and  five  Funerals. 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER. 

A.   BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Communicants,  35  ;   Funerals,  12  ;   Marriages,  7. 

The  Sunday  School  in  this  parish  is  continued,  as  well  as  the 
Female  Missionary  Society ;  but  though  the  congregation  is  on 
the  increase,  it  cannot  with  confidence  be  said,  that  there  is  any 
evident  increase  of  real  piety.  A  good  bell  has  been  procured 
for  the  church,  within  the  year  past. 


328  JO  UBJfAL~l  829. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  POULTNEY, 

MOORE  BINGHAM,  MINISTER. 

Communicants  (Added,  2)  —  15;  Funeral,  1. 

Divine  Service  for  one  half  of  the  time  was  commenced  in  this 
parish  in  November  last,  and  has  been  continued  to  the  present, 
and  the  parish  intend  supporting  it  the  year  ensuing,  if  possible. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFOED. 

SAMUEL  BRENTON  SHAW,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  9  —  two  of  which  were  adults  ;  Deaths,  8;  Marriages, 
15  ;  Births,  20  ;  Families,  92  ;  Communicants  (6  added,  3  died, 
and  3  removed),  present  number,  58. 

The  Sunday  Schools  have  been  organized  this  season  under 
very  favorable  circumstances,  and  contain  about  the  usual  number 
of  Scholars.  A  library  has  been  commenced  for  their  use,  con- 
taining more  than  one  hundred  volumes,  and  from  which  essential 
benefit  has  already  been  derived  ;  and  we  believe  that  the 
temporal  and  spiritual  condition  of  the  parish  was  never  more 
encouraging. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS. 

C.   CHASE,  RECTOR. 

Marriages,  5;  Deaths,  3  ;  Communicants,  40 ;  Sunday  School 
Children,  60. 

Although  the  congregation  has  greatly  increased,  insomuch 
that  the  attention  of  the  Vestry  has  been  called  to  the  subject 
of  augmenting  the  accommodations  of  the  church,  yet  it  has  been 
so  ordered  by  Providence,  that  removals  have  diminished  the 
number  of  our  communicants.  The  Rector  has  for  more  than 
two  years,  devoted  one  evening  in  each  week  to  the  instruction 
of  a  class  of  females  in  the  Sacred  Scriptures.  The  effects  have 
been  highly  beneficial.  Our  Sunday  School  is  as  flourishing  as 
we  have  ever  reported.  The  parish  library,  which  was  commenced 
a  year  since,  consists  now  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  choice  volumes. 


JOURJfAL-1829.  329 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR. 

GEORGK  LEONARD,  RECTOU. 

Baptisms  (adults  7,  children  8)  —  15  ;  Sunday  School  Scholars, 
36  ;  Marriages,  3  ;  Burial,  1 ;  Confirmations,  8  ;  and  Communi- 
cants, 28. 

CHRIST'S  CHURCH,  BETHEL. 

JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  3 ;  Marriages,  3 ;  Funerals,  3 ;  Communicants,  88. 
ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  WOODSTOCK. 

JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adult  1,  infants  2)  —  3  ;  Communicants,  24. 

The  Sunday  School  in  this  parish  continues  in  a  prosperous 
condition;  and  has  realized  the  advantage  of  uninterrupted  in- 
struction through  the  Winter.  Its  library  consists  of  something 
more  than  an  hundred  well  selected  books,  and  has  been  found 
much  more  effectual  in  keeping  up  the  interest  of  the  scholars 
than  the  former  system  of  graduated  rewards. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY. 

J.  DOOLITTLE,  WARDEN. 

Communicants,  46  ;  Baptisms  (infants  3,  adults  2)  —  5  ;  Funer- 
als, 2;   Marriage,  1. 

Rev.  B.  B.  Smith,  late  Rector,  removed  to  Philadelphia  in  the 
month  of  August.  Since  which  time  there  has  been  none  but 
occasional  preaching. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURN. 

LOUIS  m'c  DONALD,  RECTOR. 

Marriages,  10 ;  Baptisms,  6 ;  Funerals,  10 ;  Communicants,  80. 

The  present  condition  of  this  parish  furnishes  nothing  of  pe- 
culiar interest.  Notwithstanding  the  removal  of  one  faniilj'',  and 
several  deaths,  the  number  of  communicants  is  believed  to  be 
about  the  same  as  reported  at  the  last  Convention. 


330  JOTJBJ^AL-1829. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS. 

S.  NASII,  HECTOR. 

Communicants,  38, —  removed  8;  Baptisms,  5  ;  Marriages,  9  ; 
Funerals,  5. 

Service  lias  been  constant  in  this  church  during  the  past  year. 
Of  course,  the  appointment  at  the  corner  of  Fairfax  has  been 
given  up  as  a  regular  Sabbath  day  appointment.  A  five  o'clock 
service  has  been  attended  there,  however,  by  the  Rector,  generally 
once  in  four  weeks,  at  which  full  congregations  have  always  been 
convened.  The  Sunday  school  is  believed  to  be  in  a  prosperous 
state. 

All  the  other  parishes  in  the  county  being  now  vacant,  occa- 
sional services  have  been  performed  in  some  of  them  by  the 
Rector;  among  v/hich  have  been,  of  funerals — one  in  Swanton, 
and  four  in  Fairfield;  of  marriages  —  one  in  Fairfield,  two  in 
Fairfax,  and  one  in  Cambridge. 

On  motion,  Unaniraoiisly  Eesolvetl,  That  this  Convention, 
approve  of  the  publication  of  the  Episcopal  Register,  and 
recommend  it  to  the  patronage  of  the  friends  of  the  Church. 

The  committee  appointed  to  nominate  to  this  Convention 
four  suitable  persons  to  be  recommended  to  the  "  Society  for 
the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,"  as  addition- 
al Agents  for  the  management  of  the  lands  belonging  to  said 
Society  in  this  State,  nominated  the  following  gentlemen  : 
Jonathan  Hatch  Hubbard, Jonathan  Hagar,  Dorastus  Woos- 
ter,  and  Alexander  Fleming ;  which  nomination  was  unan- 
imously approved  of  by  the  Convention. 

On  motion  of  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Unanimously  Resolved, 
That  this  Convention  recommend,  and  do  hereby  recommend 
to  the  "  Society  in  England  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,"the  Hon.  Jonathan  Hatch  Hubbard 
of  Windsor  in  the  county  of  Windsor,  the  Hon.  Dorastus 
Wooster  and  Jonathan  Hagar,  Esq.  of  Middlebury  in  the 
county  of  Addison,  and  Alexander  Fleming,  Esq.  of  Rock- 


JO  URXAL-1 S20.  331 

ingham  in  the  countj'  of  Windham,  as  suitable  persons  to 
be  added  to  the  present  board  of  Agents,  as  attornies,  to 
whose  nianagemetit  are  entrusted  the  Society's  land  in  this 
State. 

■Resolved,  That  in  case  either  of  the  above  named  gentle- 
men shall  decline  this  nomination  and  recommendation,  the 
Standing  Committee  of  this  Convention  be  and  hereby  are 
directed  to  name  and  recommend  a  substitute  as  soon  as 
may  be. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  next  annual  meeting  of 
this  Convention  be  held  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  Windsor. 

The  Rev.  Louis  McDonald  was  appointed  to  preach  before 
the  next  Convention,  and  the  Rev.  Samuel  B.  Shaw  was 
appointed  his  substitute. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Eesolved  that  the 
President  be,  and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  draw  an  order 
upon  the  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund  for  the  sum  of 
five  dollars  and  twenty-five  cents,  to  be  paid  over  to  the 
Secretary  of  the  General  Convention  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Contingent  Fund  of  that  body. 

Adjourned,  without  day. 
A  true  Eecord. 

Attest, 

JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 

The  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund  acknowledges  the 
receipt  of  $  G.OO  from  Union  Church,  St.  Albans,  subsequent 
to  the  rising  of  the  Convention. 


The  following  paragraphs  are  quoted  from  the  Address  of  Bish- 
op Griswold  to  the  Annual  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese 
held  at  Lowell,  Mass.  on  the  last  Wednesday  in  September,  1829. 

"  Prevented,  Beloved  Friends  and  Brethren,  by  the  deeply  af- 
flictive dispensation  of  a  wise  and  righteous  God,  from  being  with 
you  in  Convention,  I  send  you  the  Address  which  has  been  pre- 
pared for  the  occasion.  " 


332  JOVRKAL-1829. 

"  The  Churches  in  Vermont  visited  during  the  year  past  are 
those  in  Windsor,  Woodstock  and  Guilford.  It  is  my  purpose 
soon,  the  Lord  permitting,  to  commence  a  journey  through  Ver- 
mont, and  the  Western  part  of  Massachusetts ;  and  I  hope  after 
my  return,  and  during  the  present  year  to  visit  others  in  the  East- 
ern parts  of  the  Diocese.  Confirmations  have  been  but  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty-four — a  number  unusually  small ;  but  we  hope 
that  they  are  of  'such  as  should  be  saved.'  " 

"  Of  Candidates  for  Holy  Orders,  three  only,  George  Bridge- 
man,  Enoch  Hale  and Colton,  have  been  admitted.  Sev- 
eral young  men  from  this  Diocese,  who  pursue  their  Theological 
studies  in  our  public  Seminaries,  have  entered  their  names  as 
Candidates  in  the  Dioceses  in  which  the  Seminaries  are  ;  and 
in  consequence  obstacles  have  been  thrown  in  the  way  of  their 
returning  to  their  own  States." 

"  Of  change  by  death,  there  has  been  one  mournful  instance; 
The  Rev.  George  Richardson,  who  had  for  some  time  laboured 
faithfully  in  Charlestown  and  Drevvsville,  was,  several  months  since 
taken  from  this  to  another,  and  we  trust  to  a  better  world.  His 
bereaved  family  have  a  just  claim  upon  our  sympathy,  and  com- 
passionate regard.  Whether  it  would  not  be  suitable  for  us,  as  a 
Convention,  some  way  to  notice  such  visitations  of  the  Almighty 
is  suggested  to  your  consideration," 

"The  Ordinations  in  the  year  past  are  eleven:  Benjamin  Hale, 
George  F.  Haskius,  Orange  Clark,  Isaac  Peck,  Joseph  H.  Price, 
James  H.  Tyng  and  James  Sabine,  have  been  ordained  Deacons  ; 
and  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Clement  F.  Jones,  William  Croswell,  James 
Everett  and  Daniel  L.  B.  Goodwin  have  been  admitted  to  the 
Order  of  Priests." 

"Changes  by  removals:  Several  of  our  Students  in  theology, 
how  many  is  not  exactly  known,  have  been  ordained  in  other  Dio- 
ceses, and  are  not  likely  to  return  to  this.  It  gives  me,  however, 
pleasure  to  state,  that  the  Rev.  Edward  Ballard  and  the  Rev. 
Anson  B.  Hard,  though  they  have  not  obtained  letters  Dimissory, 
manifest  a  desire  not  to  forsake  us;  but  to  bestow  their  labours  in 
this  part  of  the  Lord's  Vineyard,  where  they  are  so  much  needed, 
and  where  I  trust  it  may  truly  and  without  offence  be  said,  that 
the  Providence  of  God  more    especially  calls    them.     The  Rev. 


JO  URJfAL-1 829.  333 

James  Everett,  as  Chaplain  in  the  Navy,  is  ordered  by  Govern- 
ment on  a  cruise  ;  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Fenner  occupies  the  station 
at  the  Navy  Yard  in  Charlestown.  The  Rev.  Clement  F.  Jones, 
the  Rev.  Norris  M.  Jones  and  the  Rev.  Orange  Clark  are  absent, 
and  may  not  return.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Mott  is  also,  in  consequence 
of  ill  health,  still  at  the  South ;  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cutler,  it  pains 
me  to  add,  is  obliged,  from  the  same  cause  for  a  season,  to  leave 
us.  The  Rev.  Joseph  H.  Coit  and  the  Rev.  Richard  Peck  have 
also  removed  from  the  Diocese.  We  have  a  valuable  addition  to 
our  clerical  body  in  the  Rev.  William  Croswell  from  Connecticut. 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Eaton  has  resigned  the  Rectorship  of  Christ  Church, 
Boston,  and  officiates  as  a  Missionary  in  that  city.  The  Rev. 
Thomas  W.  Coit  has  taken  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  Church  in 
Cambridge.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Price  officiates  in  Salem,  and  the  Rev. 
Lot  Jones  in  Leicester.  In  Springfield  is  very  much  need  of 
a  clergyman,  and  also  in  Southwick.  The  Rev.  Isaac  Peck 
ofBciates  in  Gardner,  State  of  Maine,  and  in  Saco  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Olney.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Hard  is  in  Sheldon  and  Fairfield,  Vermont. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Tappan  is  in  Arlington,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Horton 
in  Windsor.  The  Churches  in  Middlebury,  Vergennes,  Berk- 
shire, Montgomery  and  Enosburgh  of  the  same  State  are  vacant. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Ballard  supplies  the  Churches  vacated  by  the  de- 
cease of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Richardson.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Bristed 
officiates  in  Warren,  State  of  Rhode  Island.  He  has  made  great 
exertions  and  sacrifices  to  obtain  aid  in  building  a  Church  there, 
though  not  with  all  the  success  that  might  have  been  expected. 
Grace  Church  in  Providence  has  not  yet  a  Minister  ;  and  in  South 
Kingston  no  one  officiates." 

"  Institutions  :  The  Rev.  Clement  F.  Jones  into  Trinity  Church, 
Saco ;  the  Rev.  Mr.  Coit  into  Christ  Church,  Cambridge,  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Croswell  into  Christ  Church,  Boston." 

"  New  Churches  dedicated  to  the  service  ofGod  :  St.  James', 
Woodstock,  St.  John's,  Ashfield,  St.  John's,  Sutton,  and  St. 
Thomas',  Taunton.  The  people  who  erected  them  are  entitled 
to  much  praise  for  their  liberal  exertions  and  pious  zeal.  The 
houses  are  all  commodious,  and  in  good  taste ;  the  one  last  named 
is  a  very  beautiful  edifice,  and  perhaps  is  no  where  excelled  by 
one  of  its  size." 


334  JOURMAL-IS^O. 

"  Churclies  now  building  :  Trinity  in  Boston,  very  magnifi- 
cent and  soon  to  be  consecrated ;  St.  Mark's  in  Warren  ;  one  in 
Northampton;  one  in  Great  Barrington ;  one  in  Montgomery, 
and  one  in  Arlington,  in  Vermont." 

"  New  Parishes :  Grace  Church  in  Providence ;  St.  Mark's 
in  Warren,  and  in  Boston.  This  last  has  a  new  and  valu- 
able Church  edifice,  and  with  due  encouragement,  may  through 
the  Divine  blessing,  become  a  valuable  acquisition  to  the  Church 
in  that  city.     The  Rev.  Mr.  Sabine  officiates  in  it." 

"  And  let  it  not,  beloved  friends  and  brethren,  seem  irksome  to 
be  again  and  again  reminded  of  the  very  essential  importance  of 
continuing  and  increasing  in  love  and  harmony  among  ourselves. 
We  must  all  firmly  hold  to  what  we  deem  the  true  faith  ;  but 
should  '  hold  it  in  unity  of  spirit,  and  in  the  bond  of  peace.'  Let 
us  be  well  aware  of  that  great  infirmity  of  corrupt  nature,  which 
inclines  us  to  differ  and  with  bitterness  to  contend,  about  things 
of  little  moment.  Nothing  can  be  more  contrary  to  the  spirit  and 
principles  of  our  Church,  which  is  distinguished  from  other  de- 
nominations in  nothing  more  than  in  its  liberality,  truly  so  called. 
For  the  bigotry  and  uncharitableness  of  individuals,  the  Church  is 
not  answerable.  While  she  firmly  adheres  to  all  that  is  essential 
to  pure  Christianity,  she  allows  great  latitude  for  diffei'ence  of 
opinion  in  smaller  things.  She  carries  this  liberality  so  far,  as  to 
require,  as  necessary  to  Church  membership,  no  other  'Articles  of 
faith,'  than  those  'contained  in  the  Apostles'  Creed,'  to  which 
almost  all  who  pretend  to  be  Christians,  might  conscientiously 
subscribe.  Let  us  imbibe  her  catholic  spirit,  without  abusing  it. 
Let  each  be  persuaded  in  his  own  mind,  and  very  cautious  how 
he  'judges  another  man's  servant,'  or  censures  his  Christian  breth- 
ren. I  wish  in  this  Diocese  to  hear  no  distinction  of  high  Church 
or  low  Church,  nor  of  those  who  are,  or  those  who  are  not,  the 
Bishop's  friends.  Let  us  take  heed  how  we  stand  by  ourselves  as 
holier  or  better  or  more  orthodox  than  others,  or  as  being  exclu- 
sively Churchmen  or  Evangelical.  They  who  make  the  highest 
claims  to  Churchmanship,  may  be  deficient  in  some  of  its  essential 
principles  ;  and  others,  in  their  manner  of  contending  for  the  doc- 
trines of  the  cross,  may  depart  from  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel.  Let 
us  so  judge,  that  we  be  not  judged.  " 


>     JOTJRKAL-1829.  335 

"  Since  writing  the  above,  my  son,  the  Rev.  George  Griswokl, 
after  a  long  and  distressing  illness,  has  departed  this  life.  His 
short  career  and  earthly  sorrows  ceased  yesterday,  the  27tli. 
Brethren,  pray  forme."    Episcopal  Register,  vol.  iv,  pp.  165 — 170. 

"  The  following  notice  of  the  consecration  of  St.  James'  Church, 
Woodstock  and  the  Ordination  of  Professor  Hale,  which  appeared 
in  the  "Vermont  Republican  and  American  Yeoman"  the  week 
subsequent,  may  be  here  inserted  : 

"  On  Sunday  Morning  last,"  Sept.  28th,  1828,  "St.  James' 
Church,  Woodstock,  was  consecrated  to  the  service  of  Almighty 
God,  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswokl,  Bishop  of  the  East- 
ern Diocese.  A  large  congregation  were  assembled  to  witness 
the  solemnities  of  this  interesting  occasion,  who  evinced,  by  their 
respectful  behaviour  and  serious  attention,  their  sympathy  and 
good  feelings  as  to  the  completion  of  this  work,  so  creditable  to 
the  zeal  and  liberality  of  the  small  number  of  Episcopalians,  who 
undertook,  and  have  thus,  by  the  goodness  of  God,  accomplished 
this  pious  work.  It  is  very  pleasing,  at  least  to  the  true  Church- 
man, to  notice  the  very  liberal  manner  in  which  this  Church  is 
not  only  built  but  furnished  with  everything  necessary  to  the  de- 
cent celebration  of  Divine  Service — with  Books,  Communion 
Plate,  an  Organ  and  a  Bell  ;  and  long  may  it  remain,  not  only  an 
evidence  of  the  liberal  spirit  of  its  founders,  but  an  ornament  and 
a  blessing  to  the  flourishing  and  growing  village  in  which  it  is 
situated.  This  work,  we  trust,  has  originated  in  no  spirit  of  hos- 
tility or  intolerance  towards  other  persuasions  in  religion,  but 
purely  in  a  desire  to  enjoy  the  institutions  of  Christianity,  as  settled 
at  the  Reformation,  by  some  of  the  wisest  and  best  of  our  English 
ancestors,  and  by  the  holiest  of  martyrs,  upon  the  model  of  the 
most  primitive  ages  of  our  faith.  " 

"  In  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Hale, 
Professor  of  Chemistry  and  Mineralogy  in  Dartmouth  College,  was 
admitted  to  the  Holy  Order  of  Deacons.  " 


By  the  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  at  Bellows  Falls, 
Sept.  24,  1828,  the  Constitution  of  the  same  was  revised,  and, 
according  to  rule  laid  over  for  consideration  and  adoption  by  the 
Convention  of  this  year.     By  this  Convention  it  was  adopted. 


336  JO  URJ^AL-1 829. 

The  only  material  alteration,  necessary  to  be  here  noted,  was 
in  the  9th  Article  of  the  old  Constitution,  which  was  as  follows : 
"  No  State  shall  withdraw  from  this  Diocese  without  the  appro- 
bation of  the  House  of  Bishops.  "  The  8th  Article  of  the  revised 
Constitution  which  took  the  place  of  the  9th  Article  of  the  old 
one,  was  the  following :  "  Any  State  belonging  to  this  Diocese 
may  withdraw  from  the  same  with  the  consent  of  the  Convention 
or  in  the  recess  of  the  Convention  of  the  Standing  Committee, 
the  approbation  of  the  Bishop  having  been  first  obtained.  " 


The  affair  of  Berlin,  alluded  to  in  the  Report  of  the  Pruden- 
tial Committee  in  the  foregoing  Journal,  was  brought  before  the 
Legislature  by  the  Agent  of  the  State.  His  report  and  the  sub- 
sequent action  of  that  body  afford  some  information  and  material 
for  reflection. 

October  19th  the  Hon.  Titus  Hutchinson,  Agent,  made  the  fol- 
lowing "  Report :" 
To  THE  Hon.  Legislature  of  the 

State  of  Vermont,  now  in  session  :  — 

The  subscriber,  who  was  appointed  an  agent  in  1824,  to  com- 
mence and  prosecute  a  scire  facias^  to  vacate  the  grant  of  some 
right  of  land,  granted  to  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  respectfully  reports,  to  your  honors, 
That  he  commenced  such  scire  facias  before  the  Supreme  Court — 
That  the  same  was  removed  to  the  Circuit  Court  by  the  said 
Society,  under  the  provisions  of  the  laws  of  the  United  States, 
and  was  there  tried,  upon  various  sets  of  special  pleadings  and 
demurrers,  and  the  said  Circuit  Court  decided  in  favor  of  the  said 
Society — That  a  writ  of  error  was  brought  to  the  Supreme  Court 
of  the  United  States ;  and  on  motion  of  the  said  Society,  and  on. 
their  showing  the  value  of  the  premises  to  be  less  than  two  thou- 
sand dollars,  (the  land  lying  in  Berlin)  the  said  court  dismissed 
said  writ  of  error; — so  that  the  object  of  the  scire  facias  has  been 
defeated  without  obtaining  the  judgment  of  the  Supreme  Court 
of  the  United  States  upon  the  same. 

During  the  whole  process,  I  have  thought,  and  still  think,  the 
object  well  worthy  of  pursuit,  till  a  final  decision  upon  the  merits 


JOURJ^AL-1829.  337 

Bhall  be  obtained.  When  I  selected  the  town  of  Berlin,  I  under- 
stood there  were  improvements  on  each  lot,  and  that  the  same 
were  occupied  as  farms.  But  it  now  appears  that  the  buildings 
occupied  were  all  on  other  and  adjoining  lots. 

Of  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars,  appropriated  for  this  object, 
a  little  less  than  three  hundred  and  sixty  dollars  have  been 
expended,  including  some  charges  I  have  made  for  assisting  to 
defend  an  action  at  law,  brought  to  recover  one  of  those  society's 
rights  of  land. 

Should  the  Legislature  deem  it  proper  to  pursue  this  object, 
it  will  be  necessary  to  appoint  a  new  Agent  for  the  purpose ;  and 
I  should  deem  it  expedient  to  pass  a  law,  providing  for  a  less 
expensive  mode  of  notice  in  all  such  cases. 

The  publishing  the  substance  of  the  scire  facias^  and  the  order 
in  some  one  newspaper,  for  a  reasonable  period  of  time,  must  be 
sufficient,  without  publishing  the  whole  process,  and  order,  in  two 
papers,  as  seems  now  to  be  required. 

The  summary  of  my  account  is  as  follows : 
The  sums  paid  out  for  copies,  postage,  printing  advertisements, 

services  of  the  writ  of  error,  and  clerk  fees,  amount  to  $  117.71 
My  services  and  travelling  expenses,  including  oral  and 

written  arguments  and  preparations  for  the   same,        $  240.00 

$357.71 
Deduct,  received  from  the  Treasurer, 250.00 

$107.71 
Which  is  respectfully  submitted,  by 

TITUS  HUTCHINSON. 
Montpelier,  October  17th,  1829. 

Whifch  was  read,  and  on  motion  of  Mr.  William  A.  Palmer, 
referred  to  the  Judiciary  Committee.     Journal,  1829,  pp.  70,  71. 

The  Judiciary  Committee,  on  the  part  of  the  House  consisted 
of  the  following  members:  Messrs.  Dennison  Smith,  Barre; 
Benjamin  F.  Bailey,  Burlington ;  William  A.  Palmer,  Danville  ; 
Samuel  Elliott,  Brattleborough.     Journal,  1829,  p.  31. 


338  JOURJfAL-1829. 

October  23d,  this  Committee,  by  John  C.  Thompson,  one  of 
the  Council,  made  the  following  report  on  the  report  of  the  Hon. 
Titus  Hutchinson  : 

*'  To  THE  General  Assembly,  now  sitting  : — 

The  Judiciary  Committee,  to  whom  the  above  report  was 
committed,  respectfully  report,  That  the  balance  of  the  account 
therein  stated,  ought  to  be  paid  ;  and  that  the  said  Hutchinson 
have  leave  to  bring  in  the  accompanying  bill.  They  further 
report,  that  in  their  opinion,  it  is  expedient  for  the  Legislature 
to  appoint  an  Agent  to  pursue  and  complete  the  business  which 
has  been  commenced,  in  the  said  report  stated. 

The  Committee  further  report,  that  in  their  opinion,  it  is  ex- 
pedient to  pass  an  act,  providing  a  mode  of  publishing  the  notices, 
in  cases  described  in  said  report,  and,  therefore  report  the  accom- 
panying bill. 

JOHN  C.  THOMPSON,  for  Committee." 

"  Which  report  was  read  and  concurred  in  ;  and  the  bill  report- 
ed by  said  Committee  entitled,  'an  act  directing  the  Treasurer  to 
pay  the  sum  therein  mentioned,'  was  read  the  first  and  second 
time." 

"  Ordered,  That  it  be  engrossed  and  read  a  third  time." 

"  The  other  bill  reported  by  said  Committee,  entitled,  'an  act 
in  addition  to  an  act  directing  the  mode  of  taking  forfeitures  of 
grants  and  charters,'  was  read  the  first  time." 

"  Ordered,  that  it  be  read  a  second  time  to-morrow  morning." 
Journal,  1829,  p.  115. 

This  last  bill  passed  through  the  usual  stages  and  became  a 
law.     Journal,  1829,  pp.  119,  131,  155. 

It  does  not  appear  from  the  Journal  of  1829,  that  any  Agent 
was  appointed  by  the  Legislature  to  pursue  the  course  recom- 
mended in  the  foregoing  reports. 

It  is  proper  to  add  here  an  abstract  of  the  decision  of  the 
Circuit  Court  of  the  United  States  in  the  matter  of  Berlin,  ren- 
dered by  the  Hon.  Smith  Thompson,  associate  Justice  of  the 
Supreme  Court,  at  Rutland,  Oct.  1826. 

The  King  of  Great  Britain  granted  a  charter  of  a  town  in  that 
part  of  the  province  of  New-Hampshire,  which  is  now  Vermont, 


JO  VB:N'AL-1  829.  339 

to  be  divided  among  the  grantees,  and  to  be  held  on  certain  con- 
conditions  mentioned  in  the  charter.  The  defendants,  who  were 
one  of  the  grantees,  were  a  Society  in  England,  incorporated  by 
a  charter  from  the  King.  A  scire  facias  was  issued  on  behalf  of 
the  plaintiffs,  requiring  the  defendants  to  show  cause  why  a  for- 
feiture of  their  right  to  the  lands  had  not  been  incurred,  and 
assigning  as  grounds  of  forfeiture  a  non-performance  of  the  con- 
ditions on  which  the  lands  were  held,  and  violations  of  their 
charter  of  incorporation.  On  demurrer  to  the  scire  facias,  held, 
that  such  violations  of  their  charter  of  incorporation  could  not 
be  thus  collaterally  drawn  in  question,  but  that  it  should  be 
vacated  by  some  direct  proceeding  for  the  purpose. 

Among  the  conditions  of  the  grant  were,  that  the  grantees, 
their  heirs  and  assigns,  should  pay  rent  and  cultivate  a  certain 
portion  of  the  land  :  Held,  that  no  reasons  of  public  policy  ex- 
empted the  defendants  from  the  performance  of  these  conditions, 
and  that  they  were  within  their  letter  and  spirit. 

Each  grantee  was  to  pay  annually  for  the  first  ten  years,  an 
ear  of  corn,  rent,  for  his  share  of  the  land,  if  lawfully  demanded : 
Held,  that  this  was  a  mere  nominal  rent,  and  its  non-payment  not 
a  ground  of  forfeiture,  and  that  the  breach  of  the  condition  was 
ill  assigned,  as  there  was  no  averment  that  it  had  been  lawfully 
demanded. 

After  the  first  ten  years  a  rent  of  one  shilling  for  every  hundred 
acres  was  to  be  paid  annually  to  the  grantor,  in  his  council  cham- 
ber in  Portsmouth,  or  to  such  officer  as  should  be  appointed  to 
receive  the  same  :  Held,  that  payment  at  the  place  appointed  had 
been  rendered  impossible  by  the  separation  of  the  countries,  and 
that  the  plaintiffs  should  have  averred  that  they  had  appointed 
another  place  of  payment,  or  an  officer  to  receive  the  payment, 
and  that  notice  thereof  had  been  given  to  the  defendants. 

There  was  no  declaration,  but  the  writ  of  scire  facias  was 
demurred  to  :  Held,  that  the  legal  effect  was  the  same  as  if  the 
demurrer  had  been  to  the  declaration,  and  the  same  judgment  was 
ordered  to  be  entered.  Leave,  however,  is  given  to  the  defend- 
ants to  withdraw  the  demurrer,  so  far  as  relates  to  the  breach  well 
assigned,  and  take  issue  upon  the  allegation  therein  contained. 
1  Paine  Rep.  pp.  652—660. 


340  •         JOURJ^AL-1829. 

According  to  the  leave  granted  in  this  decision  to  the  defend- 
ants to  withdraw  their  demurrer  as  to  breach  of  contract  by  fail- 
ing to  ci;ltivate,  the  case  came  up  the  year  following  and  was 
argued  on  its  merits.  Judge  Thompson  gave  in  the  case  the  fol- 
lowing decision  : 

On  demurrer  to  several  pleas,  if  any  one  of  them  going  to  the 
whole  merits  of  the  case  is  well  pleaded  and  contains  a  full  and 
sufficient  answer,  it  will  entitle  the  defendants  to  judgment. 

At  common  law,  nothing  that  lies  in  action,  entry  or  re-entry, 
can  be  granted  over ;  and,  therefore,  no  grantee  or  assignee  of  a 
reversion,  can  take  advantage  of  a  re-entry  by  foi'ce  of  a  condition 
broken.  But  if  it  should  be  admitted  that  these  principles  do  not 
apply  to  the  case,  and  that  the  State  of  Vermont  succeeded  to  all 
the  rights  of  the  crown,  other  obstacles  growing  out  of  the  acts 
of  the  State  itself  are  presented  against  the  claim  of  forfeiture. 
By  the  act  of  the  30th  of  October  1794,  the  Legislature  granted  to 
the  town  of  Berlin,  forever,  the  use  of  this  land  for  the  benefit  of 
the  town.  The  State  thereby  parted  with  all  the  interest  it  had 
in  these  lands,  and  is  estopped  thereby  from  claiming  any  right 
thereto.  The  doctrine  of  estoppel  applies  to  a  State  as  well  as  to 
private  persons.  When,  therefore,  a  State  by  an  act  of  its  Leg- 
islature granted  to  a  town  forever  the  use  of  certain  lands  for  the 
benefit  of  the  town,  it  was  held  that  the  State,  having  parted 
with  all  the  interest  it  had  in  the  lands,  was  estopped  from  claim- 
ing a  forfeiture,  by  reason  of  a  condition  broken  before  the  grant 
was  made.  Nor  would  it  be  a  good  answer  on  the  part  of  the 
State  in  such  case,  that  the  grant  to  the  town  was  in  trust,  and 
that  the  trust  had  been  violated ;  the  town  not  having  been  made 
a  party  to  the  proceedings,  and  the  act  not  having  been  repealed, 
or  any  measures  taken  to  resume  possession  of  the  land  on  ac- 
count of  any  breach  of  trust,  or  violation  of  the  grant. 

Any  one  may  perform  a  condition  who  has  an  interest  in  it,  or 
in  the  land  whereto  it  is  annexed ;  and  if  a  time  to  perform  is 
appointed,  the  purchaser  may  perform.  When  a  condition  is  once 
performed,  it  is  thenceforth  entirely  gone,  and  the  thing  to  which 
it  was  before  annexed  becomes  absolute  and  wholly  unconditional. 
Where  the  grant  to  which  the  condition  broken  was  annexed,  was 
originally  made  by  the  British  Government,  and  the  title  of  the 


JOVBNAL-1830.  341 

State  grew  out  of  the  consequences  of  the  Revolution,  and  the 
forfeiture  was  incurred  before  the  State  had  any  interest  in  the 
land,  it  was  held  that  the  performance  of  the  town  according  to 
the  terms  of  the  original  grant,  subsequent  to  the  grant  made  to 
the  town  by  the  State,  saved  the  forfeiture.  Judgment  was 
given  to  the  defendants  upon  the  demurrer.  2  Paine  Rep.  pp. 
645—563. 

T.  Hutchinson,  for  the  plaintiffs. 

J.  H.  Hubbard,  for  the  defendants. 


1830. 

Wednesday,  May  26th,  1830. 
This  being  the  day  appointed  for  the  Annual  Meeting  of 
the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
State  of  Vermont,  a  number  of  the  Clergy,  and  Lay  Dele- 
gates, from  several  of  the  Churches,  assembled  in  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Windsor,  at  9  o'clock,  a.  m.,  the  Kev.  Abraham 
Bronson  in  the  chair. 

Present : 
Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rector  of  Zion  Church,ili'a7icAes^er. 
Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rector  of  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows 

Falls. 
Rev.    Joel    Clap,  Rector   of   Christ  Church,  Bethel,  and 

St.  James'  Church,  Woodstock. 
Rev,  Anson  B.  Hard,  Deacon,  Minister  of  Trinity  Church, 

Fairfield,  and  Grace  Church,  Sheldon. 
Rev.  William  Horton,  Deacon,  officiating  at  St.  Paul's 

Church,  Windsor. 
Rev.  Louis  McDonald,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Shelburn. 
Rev.  Sylvester  Nash,  Rector  of  Union  Church,  St.  Albans. 
Rev.  William  S.  Perkins,  Deacon,  Minister  of  St.  James' 

Church,  Arlington. 
Rev.  Samuel  B.  Shaw,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Guilford. 


342  JOVnXAL-1830. 

The  following  gentlemen  appeared,  presented  their  Cre- 
dentials and  took  their  seats  as  Lay  Delegates  : 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER: 

Teuman  Purdt,  William  Benedick. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  PAWLET: 

Daniel  Fitch. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WELLS  : 

Almon  Hopson. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  POULTNEY  : 

Amon  Bailey,  Gershom  Gifford. 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  ARLINGTON: 

Enos  Canfield. 

CHRIST    CHURCH,  BETHEL  : 

Luther  Grover,  Oliver  Gleason. 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  WOODSTOCK  : 

John  A.  Pratt. 

ST.  PAUL'S   CHURCH,  WINDSOR  : 

Edward  K.  Campbell,  Simeon  Ide. 

Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  chosen  President,  and  Rev. 
Joel  Clap,  Secretary. 

On  motion  by  Rev,  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  the  Presi- 
dent be,  and  he  hereby  is,  authorized  to  invite  Clergymen 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and  candidates  for  Holy 
Orders  in  the  same,  who  may  be  present,  to  the  sittings  of 
the  Convention. 

The  following  Clergymen  were  invited  by  the  President 
to  the  sittings  of  the  Convention  :  Rev.  Moore  Bingham, 
of  the  Diocese  of  New- York,  and  Rev.  Benjamin  Hale,  of 
the  State  of  New-Hampshire. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  that  hereafter 
it  shall  be  considered  the  duty  of  the  Standing  Committee 
to  make  report  of  its  proceedings  annually  to  this  Conven- 
tion ;  which  Report  shall  be  entered  on  the  Journals. 


JOVRJ^AL-1830.  343 

The  following  Report  of  the  Standing  Committee  was 
presented  and  read  : 

"At  a  regular  meeting  of  the  Standing  Committee  of 
Vermont,  holden  at  Middlebury,  on  the  22d  day  of  October, 
A.  D.  1829, — present,  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Joel 
Clap,  Rev.  Carlton  Chase  and  Rev.  Sylvester  Nash, — The 
Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  chosen  President,  and  Rev. 
Joel  Clap,  Secretary. 

The  Standing  Committee  having  been  informed  that  Al- 
exander Fleming,  Esq.  has  declined  accepting  the  nomina- 
tion, made  by  the  last  Convention  in  this  State,  as  an  Agent 
of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign 
Parts,  the  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rector  of  Immanuel  Church, 
Bellows  Falls,  was  appointed  to  supply  the  vacancy. 

George  C.  V.  Eastman  was  recommended  a  candidate  for 
Holy  Orders. 

A  true   copy  of  the  minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  the 

Standing  Committee,  for  the  year  past. 

Attest 

JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary." 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  a  Commit- 
tee be  appointed  to  examine  the  Canons  of  the  General 
Convention,  with  a  view  to  ascertain  whether  there  are  any 
matters  left  by  those  Canons  to  be  provided  for  by  the  State 
Convention,  and  as  yet  remaining  unprovided  for  by  this 
Convention ;  and  that  said  Committee  report  to  this  Con- 
vention. 

The  following  Committee  was  accordingly  appointed  : 
Rev,  Carlton  Chase,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Edward  R.  Campbell, 
Esq. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr,  Nash,  the  Convention  proceeded 
to  the  election  of  the  Standing  Committee  for  the  year 
ensuing.  The  following  persons  were  elected  :  Rev. 
Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rev.  Carlton  Chase, 
Rev.  Sylvester  Nash,  Rev,  Samuel  B.  Shaw. 


344  JOVBKAL-1830. 

The  business  of  the  Convention  was  suspended  for  the 
purpose  of  attending  Divine  Service. 

Morning  Prayers  were  read  by  Rev,  Samuel  B.  Shaw,  and 
a  Sermon  delivered  by  Rev.  Louis  McDonald, 

The  Holy  Communion  was  then  administered,  after  which 
the  Convention  resumed  business,  and  adjourned  until  3 
o'clock,  this  afternoon. 

Three  o'clock,  p.  m. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjourment. 

The  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund  presented  the 
following  Report,  which  was  read  and  accepted  : 

Joel  Clap,  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund, 

To  THE  Convention  :         Dr, 

To  balance  on  hand  as  per  last  report, %  135.92 

To   contribution    from  Union    Church,   St.    Albans,    re- 
ceived after  last  Convention, 6.00 

To  collection  taken  up  this  day, 5.67 

Contribution  from  Christ  Church,  Bethel,         5.00 

"  Zion  Cburch,  Manchester, 2.37 

"  Union  Church,  St.  Albans,        ....     5.71 

«  Christ  Church,  Guilford,        3.25 

"  St.  John's  Church,  Poultney,         •     .     .     3.00 

"  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows  Falls,        .     .  5.50 

"  Trinity  Church,  Fah-field 1.78 

"  Grace  Church,  Sheldon, 3.18 

177.38 
Interest  one  year  on  $45.67,       .     .     .  2.74 

180.12 
Per  Contra  :  Cr. 

By  amount  paid  Delegates  to  General  Convention,  80.00 
Paid  Secretary  of  General  Convention,      ....     5.25 

For  printing  Journals  of  1829,        11.00 

96.25 

Balance  on  hand  this  day,      .     .     .     .     83.87 
May  26,  1830.  JOEL  CLAP,  Treasurer. 


JO  UBJfAL-1 83  0.  345 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  Contin- 
gent Fund  be  not  hereafter  charged  with  interest  on  the 
funds  in  his  hands. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Nash,  Resolved,  That  the  Secre- 
tary be  directed  to  publish  six  hundred  copies  of  the  Journal 
of  this  Convention,  together  with  the  Constitution  and  the 
Canons  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  this  State, 
at  the  expense  of  the  Contingent  Fund. 

On  motion  by  Mr.  Oliver  Gleason,  Resolved,  That  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund  be  credited  the  amount 
of  interest  charged  him  in  the  foregoing  Report. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Nash,  Resolved,  That  the  Secre- 
tary be  authorized  to  procure  a  blank  book  for  the  records  of 
the  Convention,  and  a  trunk  for  the  safe  keeping  of  the 
records  and  papers  of  the  same,  at  the  expense  of  the 
Contingent  Fund. 

The  following  Report  was  presented  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase, 
chairman  of  the  Prudential  Committee,  read  and  accepted  : 

Your  Committee  report,  that  it  is  not  in  their  power  to 
lay  before  you  any  irnportant  facts  relative  to  the  Church 
lands  in  this  State.  Few  settlements  have  been  made,  and 
few  leases  executed  since  the  last  report.  Still  the  business 
seems  to  be  moving  gradually  towards  a  conclusion.  And 
perhaps  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  the  agencies  concerned  to 
hasten  it.  Many  obstacles  have  occurred,  of  a  very  peculiar 
nature,  which  scarcely  any  thing  but  time  and  a  slow  pro- 
gress of  events  could  remove. 

A  very  important  suit,  which  was  pending  at  the  last 
Convention  before  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States, 
has  been  decided  in  favour  of  the  Society.  It  became  nec- 
essary, however,  in  consequence  of  certain  papers  not  being 
seasonably  communicated  by  that  Court  to  the  Circuit 
Court  recently  held  in  Windsor,  that  both  that  suit  and 
certain  others,  should  be  continued  for  final  trial  and  judg- 
ment to  the  October  term  of  the  Circuit  Court. 


346  JO  URKA  L-1830. 

The  Committee,  in  compliance  with  a  resolution  of  the 
last  Convention  to  that  effect,  have  done  what  they  could 
towards  furthering  the  views  of  the  Convention  with  respect 
to  a  more  prompt  and  efficient  agency.  They  met  at  Mid- 
dlebury  in  October  last  with  the  Bishop,  Standing  Commit- 
tee, and  General  Agents,  to  devise  measures  with  that  view. 
Sundry  important  papers  were  prepared  to  be  laid  before 
the  Society  in  England.  Those  papers,  owing  to  causes  not 
within  the  control  or  the  present  explaining  power  of  your 
Committee,  were  not  finally  executed.  That  matter  lies  of 
course  nearly  as  it  did  a  year  since.  We  regret  the  delay 
exceedingly,  and  hope  it  can  be  satisfoctorily  explained. 

C.  CHASE,  for  the  Committee. 
May  26,  1830. 

The  following  persons  were  appointed  the  Prudential 
Committee  for  the  year  ensuing :  Rev.  Carlton  Chase, 
Edward  R.  Campbell,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  John  A.  Pratt. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Nash,  Resolved,  That  the  Pru- 
dential Committee  be  and  they  are  hereby  directed  to  pros- 
ecute the  measures  heretofore  entrusted  to  their  manage- 
ment, in  relation  to  the  Agency  of  the  "  Society's  Lands," 
so  called,  in  this  State  :  And  also  that  they  be  authorized  to 
fill  any  vacancy  which  may  occur  in  the  Board  of  Trust 
heretofore  nominated. 

The  following  persons  were  elected  Delegates  to  the  Gen- 
eral Convention  :  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Carlton 
Chase,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  and  Rev.  Sylvester  Nash,  of  the 
Clergy.  Hon.  Dudley  Chase,  George  Cleaveland,  Alexan- 
der Fleming,  Esqrs.  and  Mr.  Cyril  Fuller,  of  the  Laity. 

The  following  Parochial  Reports  were  presented  and  read  : 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  —  adults  5,  children  3  ;  Marriages,  5  ;  Funerals,  7  ; 
Communicants,  42.  The  Sunday  School  and  the  state  of  piety 
have   considerably  improved  within  the  past  year. 


JOVUKAL-ISSO.  347 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURGH,  ARLINGTON. 

W.  S.  PERKINS,  MINISTER. 

The  present  report  embraces  a  period  of  only  six  months,  the 
time  of  the  present  Minister's  connexion  with  the  Church.  The 
number  of  communicants  is  not  as  large  as  in  former  years,  owing 
to  deaths  and  removals.  It  is  now  83 — additions  2  ;  Baptisms,  4 ; 
Marriage,  1 ;  Deaths,  2. 

The  temporal  prospects  of  the  Parish  were  never  more  encour- 
aging. To  use  the  language  of  a  member  of  the  Parish,  "  Every 
thing  to  which  we  put  our  hands,  connected  with  the  well-being 
of  the  Church,  prospers."  The  church  is  rapidly  building,  and 
though  it  is  of  stone,  and  entirely  Gothic,  Ave  anticipate  finishing 
it  in  less  than  a  year.  For  commodiousness  and  beauty  it  will 
not  be  exceeded  by  any  in  the  State.  We  regret  to  say  that  the 
religious  condition  of  the  Parish  is  not  equally  flattering.  We 
are  not,  however,  without  some  encouragement  in  this  respect. 
A  convenient  lecture  room,  in  which  we  now  assemble,  is  crowded 
every  Sabbath.  The  congregation  listen  to  the  preaching  of  the 
Word  with  apparent  seriousness.  Besides  the  regular  services  on 
the  Sabbath,  we  have  had  a  Bible  Class  on  Sabbath  evenings, 
consisting  of  thirty-five  members.  The  funds  of  our  Missionary 
Society  have  been  (during  the  last  year)  appropriated  to  the  sup- 
port of  a  young  man  at  Kenyon  College.  Sunday  Scholars,  70. 
The  Minister  has  held  meetings  in  different  parts  of  the  Parish, 
and  is  encouraged  to  continue  this  practice  by  the  serious  atten- 
tion of  the  people. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  POULTNEY. 

MOORK  BINGHAM,  RKCTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  8,  infants  2)  — 10;  Funerals,  5;  Removals,  7, 
or  three  families  comprising  seven  members  of  the  congregation ; 
Communicants  (added  17),  29 ;  Sunday  Scholars,  16. 

This  Church,  during  the  past  year,  has  sustained  a  great  loss 
in  the  death  of  its  Senior  Warden  and  the  removal  of  several 
families;  but  has  otherwise  been  greatly  blessed  and  prospered. 

It  has  a  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  a  Bible 
and  Common  Prayer  Book  and  Tract  Society  ;  as  also  a  Sunday 


348  JO  VRKAL-1 83  0. 

School  Society, — all  auxiliary  to  the  general  institutions  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

A  place  of  worship  is  much  needed,  and  the  Parish  have  deter- 
mined to  make  an  effort  to  erect  a  small  brick  church  the  ensuing 
year. 

It  hardly  need  be  said  that  this  small  and  feeble  Parish  needs 
some  assistance,  if  assistance  can  be  had. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURNE. 

LOUIS  MC  DONALD,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms — adults  2,  infants  3 ;  Confirmed,  4 ;  Married,  4 ;  Fune- 
rals, 2 ;  Communicants  70. 

The  state  of  this  Parish  is  disheartening,  and  the  Rector  is  com- 
pelled to  express  his  belief  that  it  is  not  as  prosperous  as  at  the 
last  meeting  of  this  Convention. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.   ALBANS. 

S.  NASH,  RECTOR, 

Communicants,  45  ;  Baptisms — adults  3,  children  6  ;  Confirma- 
tions, 9  ;  Funerals,  5  ;  Marriages,  2. 

The  members  of  this  parish  continue  to  struggle  with  commend- 
able zeal  against  the  difficulties  arising  from  the  smallness  of  their 
numbers,  and,  in  addition  to  former  efforts,  have  since  the  last 
Convention,  purchased  a  house  and  lot  for  a  parsonage,  and  are 
now  exerting  themselves  to  put  it  in  a  better  state  of  repair." 

"A  prayer  meeting  has  been  commenced  under  very  promising 
circumstances,  which  is  well  attended  every  Sunday  evening,  and 
generally  conducted  by  the  Laity,  as  the  Rector  is  often  absent  to 
attend  a  third  service  at  the  corner  of  Fairfax.  The  Sunday  School 
is  in  a  flourishing  condition." 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD,  AND  GRACE 
CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

ANSON  B.  HARD,  MINISTER. 

The  present  Minister  of  these  churches  took  charge  of  them  last 
July.  They  werfe  then  in  a  languid  condition,  not  having  had  a 
clergyman  for  some  months  previous.     His  prospects  at  first  were 


JOUBNAL-1830.  349 

discouraging,  but  by  the  Divine  blessing  upon  his  labours,  a  great 
improvement  immediately  took  place.  In  Trinity  Church  there 
have  been  23  Baptisms,  3  Marriages,  8  Funerals.  Sunday  School 
Scholars,  80.  Communicants,  80.  A  Parish  and  Sunday  School 
Library  has  been  established.  Exertions  are  now  making  to  in- 
crease the  number  of  books.  In  Grace  Church,  there  have  been 
26  Baptisms,  2  Marriages,  6  Funerals,  Sunday  School  Scholars,  40. 
Members  of  the  Bible  Class  20.  Communicants,  53.  Additions 
10.  The  Female  Missionary  Society  of  these  churches  is  prepared 
to  constitute  their  pastor  a  life  member  of  the  Domestic  and  For- 
eign Missionary  Society.  The  ladies  have  also  made  a  box  of 
clothing  for  the  family  of  our  Missionary  to  Greece,  the  Eev.  Mr. 
Robertson.  The  Minister  attributes  much  of  his  gratifying  suc- 
cess to  frequent  lectures,  and  prayer  meetings,  which  he  has  held 
in  various  parts  of  his  parish.  He  has  also,  in  company  with  Rev, 
Mr.  Nash,  performed  service,  and  preached  in  the  neighboring, 
towns.     A  church  will  probably  soon  be  erected  in  Highgate. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL. 

JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (infants),  8  ;  Marriage,  1 ;  Funerals  4  ;  Communi- 
cants, 88. 

The  prospects  of  our  Sunday  School  are  more  encouraging,  the 
influence  of  its  libaray  is  very  salutary,  and  its  members  are  in- 
creasing 

A  Missionary  Association  auxiliary  to  the  Domestic  and  Foreign 
Missionary  Society  was  organized  in  the  Winter,  and  measures 
are  taken  to  solicit  aid  from  every  member  of  the  Parish,  and  thus 
far  a  very  general  interest  in  the  Society  has  been  sustained. 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  WOODSTOCK. 

JOEL  CLAP, RECTOR. 

Baptisms  —  adults  2,  infants  2  ;  Marriages,  3 ;  Funerals,  2  ; 
Communicants,  25. 

The  condition  of  this  parish  is  assuming  a  more  permanent  as- 
pect ;  measures  are  in  progress  which  will  probably  result  in  the 
entire  devotion  of  the  labours  of  the  Rector  to  this  Church. 


350  JOUR:N'AL-1830. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR. 

WILLIAM  HORTON,   MINISTER. 

Funerals,  2 ;  Baptisms,  0 ;  Marriages,  2 ;  Sabbath  Scholars,  54  ; 
Sabbath  School  Library,  95  volumes. 

Bible  Class  consists  of  forty  members.  Eight  have  been  added 
to  the  Church.  Three  received  from  other  churches.  Since  the 
commencement  of  the  Bible  Class,  there  has  been  an  increasing 
attention  to  the  subject  of  religion. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS. 

CARLTON  CHASE,  RECTOR. 

•    Baptisms  (adult  1)  —  8;    Marriages,  5  ;  Deaths,  2  ;    Communi- 
cants, 50. 

Parish  Library,  165  volumes,  nearly  all  selected  works.  Provi- 
sion is  made  for  adding  to  it  about  twenty-five  dollars  a  year.  In 
the  Sunday  School  about  60  Scholars,  with  a  Library  of  two 
hundred  volumes.  The  Rector  has  a  Bible  Class,  which  has  been 
attended  with  good  effects. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD. 

SAMUEL  BRENTON  SHAW,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  9;  Marriages,  13;  Deaths,  5;  Communicants,  58; 
Families  attending  church,  in  both  congregations,  not  far  from  100; 
Sunday  Scholars  in  do.  about  80. 

During  the  past  year  a  fine  toned  bell  has  been  added  to  the 
church  in  the  East  Parish,  and  the  edifice  in  the  West  Parish  has 
been  i*epaired.  An  unusual  attention  to  religious  subjects  exists 
in  the  latter  parish,  from  which,  with  the  Divine  blessing,  we  are 
encouraged  to  anticipate  the  most  pleasing  results.  A  Sunday 
School  Society,  auxiliary  to  the  union  of  our  church,  has  been 
formed,  which  promises  greater  efficiency  in  promoting  the  moral 
and  religious  instruction  of  the  young.  On  the  whole,  the  Rector 
has  abundant  cause  for  gratitude,  and  encouragement  that  notwith- 
standing many  difficulties,  the  prospects  of  this  portion  of  the 
Zion  of  our  God  are  more  encouraging  than  at  any  former  period 
of  his  connection  with  it. 


JOUR^AL-1830.  351 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Hard,  Resolved,  That  the  next 
annual  Convention  be  held  in  St.  James'  Church,  Arlington. 

Rev.  William  Horton  was  appointed  to  preach  before  the 
next  Convention,  and  Rev,  Sylvester  Nash  appointed  his 
substitute. 

On  motion,  Convention  adjourned  until  6  o'clock,  to-mor- 
row morning. 

Thursday,  May  27,  6  o'clock,  A.  m. 

Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Rev.  Mr,  Chase,  on  behalf  of  the  Committee  appointed 
yesterday  to  examine  the  Canons,  made  a  verbal  report  ; 
whereupon  it  was  Resolved,  That  the  subject  be  recommitted 
to  the  same  Committee,  to  report  to  the  next  Convention. 
After  Prayers  by  the  President,  adjourned  without  day. 
A  true  Record. 

Attest, 

JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 

CONSTITUTION 

OF   THE    PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH   IN    THE  STATE  OF 
VERMONT,  AS  REVISED  AND  ADOPTED  IN  CONVENTION, 

A,  D,  1820,  1824  and  1827, 

Article  I.  The  various  Churches  in  Vermont  shall  be 
considered  as  united  in  one  Convention,  in  subordination  to 
the  General  Convention  of  the  United  States, 

Art.  II.  The  said  Convention  shall  meet  annually  on 
the  last  Wednesday  in  May,  at  such  place  as  shall  be  ap- 
pointed at  a  previous  meeting  ;  and  all  the  Clergymen  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  residing  in  this  State,  shall 
be  entitled  to  seats  in  this  Convention  ;  and  Lay  Delegates 
from  the  several  Churches  in  this  State,  shall  be  entitled  to 
seats  in  the  said  Convention  in  the  following  proportion,  viz. 
each  Church  shall  have  the  privilege  of  sending  at  least  one 
member  ;  if  it  consists  of  ten  or  more  communicants,  it  may 
send  two  members  ;  and  for  every  twenty-five  communicants 


352  JOURJ^AL-1830. 

exceeding  the  mimber  above  specified,  the  said  Churches 
shall  be  entitled  to  one  additional  member. 

Art.  III.  The  Convention  shall  deliberate  and  act  in 
one  body  ;  but  shall  vote  in  distinct  orders,  when  any  mem- 
ber shall  call  for  such  a  division  on  any  one  question  ;  and 
in  such  case  a  concurrence  of  a  majority  of  both  orders  shall 
be  necessary  to  constitute  a  vote. 

Art.  IV.  A  President,  Secretary,  and  Standing  Com- 
mittee shall  be  chosen  at  every  annual  meeting  of  the  Con- 
vention ;  also  the  requisite  Delegation  shall  be  annually 
appointed  to  represent  this  State  in  the  General  Convention. 

Provided,  however,  That  no  person  shall  be  a  member  of 
the  Standing  Committee,  or  shall  represent  this  State  in  the 
General  Convention,  unless  he  be  a  regular  communicant  in 
the  Church.  Provided,  also.  That  when  the  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese  shall  be  present  in  Convention,  he  shall,  ex  officio, 
be  President. 

The  Convention  may  from  time  to  time,  if  deemed  expe- 
dient, appoint  a  Prudential  Committee  to  superintend  the 
prudential  concerns  of  the  Church. 

Art.  V.  If  at  any  time  a  Bishop  is  to  be  elected  by  this 
Convention,  the  Secretary,  by  order  of  the  President  or 
Standing  Committee,  shall  write  to  the  Minister  or  one  of 
the  Wardens  of  each  Church,  at  least  six  weeks  before  the 
election  is  to  take  place,  and  give  notice  of  the  time  and 
place  appointed  for  such  election,  and  request  that  Dele- 
gates may  attend  the  Convention  for  the  purpose  ;  and  in 
every  such  election,  the  Convention  shall  vote  in  distinct 
orders — the  Clerical  order  shall  make  a  nomination  by  bal- 
lot, and  a  majority  of  the  Lay  Delegates  shall  approve  the 
appointment,  before  the  person  shall  be  considered  elected. 

Art.  VI.  No  alteration  shall  be  made  in  this  Constitu- 
tion except  in  annual  Convention  ;  nor  unless  proposed  and 
reduced  to  writing  at  a  previous  Convention. 


JOURJfAL-1830.  353 

Aet.  VII.  The  Bishop  or  Standing  Committee  shall 
have  power  to  call  a  special  Convention,  by  giving  six  weeks 
previous  notice  to  the  Minister  or  one  of  the  Wardens  of 
each  particular  Church. 

CANONS 

OF   THE    PROTESTANT   EPISCOPAL   CHURCH   IN  THE   STATE 

OF  VERMONT,  ADOPTED  IN  CONVENTION  AT 

MIDLEBURY,  JUNE  24,  1823. 

CANON   I. 

OF    THE   MODE  OF   TRYING   CLERGYMEN   ACCUSED   OF   MISDE- 
MEANOR. 

Whenever  the  Standing  Committee  shall  have  reason  to  suspect 
any  Clergyman  of  this  Church  to  be  guilty  of  infidelity,  heresy, 
vice,  or  irregularity  of  any  kind,  it  shall  be  their  duty  to  inquire 
into  the  circumstances  of  the  case  ;  and  if,  upon  such  inquiry, 
they  are  convinced  that  there  exists  sufficient  cause  of  complaint, 
they  shall  represent  the  same  to  the  Bishop,  at  the  same  time 
stating  specifically  whereof  the  party  is  accused ;  whereupon,  bv 
order  of  the  Bishop,  a  council  of  Presbyters,  consisting  of  not  less 
than  three,  shall  be  convened,  who,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Bishop,  shall  proceed  in  due  time  to  try  the  party  accused;  a  copy 
of  the  accusation  or  accusations,  and  twenty  days  notice  of  the 
time  and  place  of  trial  being  first  communicated  to  such  party. 
And  furthermore,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Standing  Comiliittee, 
at  such  trial,  to  lay  before  the  Bishop  and  his  Presbyters,  such 
evidence  as  they  may  be  able  to  obtain  relative  to  the  case  under 
investigation. 

CANON    II. 

OF  THE  FORMING  AND  ORGANIZING  OF  CHURCHES. 
Whenever  any  number  of  persons  in  this  State  shall  form 
themselves  into  a  regular  society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
faith,  in  such  a  manner  as  that  they  will  become  a  body  corporate 
according  to  law,  and  their  proceedings  shall  be  sanctioned  by  the 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese  and  Standing  Committee  of  this  State ;  or 
in  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  Episcopal  office,  by  the  State  Conven- 


354  JO  UR^AL-1 83  0. 

tion  or  its  Standing  Committee,  they  shall  be  admitted  to  all  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  a  regular  church,  subject  at  all  times  to 
the  authority  and  discipline  of  said  Bishop,  or  in  case  of  a  vacan- 
cy in  the  Episcopal  office,  of  said  Convention  or  its  Standing 
Committee. 


The  following  paragraphs  from  the  Address  of  Bishop  Griswold 
to  the  Annual  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  held  in  Trinity 
Church,  Boston,  Sept.  29,  1830,  properly  belong  to  the  foregoing 
Journal.     They  are  copied  from  the  Journal  of  the  Convention  : 

"Again,  Respected  Friends  and  Brethren,  has  the  rapid  course 
of  revolving  time  brought  about  the  season  of  our  annual  Conven- 
tion ;  and,  through  the  Lord's  patient  goodness,  we  are  once  more 
permitted  to  assemble  and  take  counsel  together  on  what  concerns 
that  portion  of  the  Lord's  Vineyard  committed  to  our  care." 

"  In  laying  before  you,  as  our  rules  require,  a  view  of  the  progress 
of  our  labour,  and  the  present  state  of  our  Churches,  we  shall  have 
cause,  more  than  on  the  like  occasions  preceding,  to  lament  our 
want  of  laborers,  and  of  missionary  funds.  Far  from  extending 
our  borders,  and  increasing  the  number  of  our  Churches,  as  in  all 
human  appearance  might,  with  adequate  means,  have  been  easily 
done ;  in  many  parts  of  the  Diocese  we  have  scarce  been  able  to 
maintain  the  ground  which  we  before  possessed.  A  considerable 
number  of  our  parishes,  from  being  so  long  either  wholly  vacant 
or  destitute  of  any  permanent  ministrations,  are,  we  fear,  declining. 
That  so  many  of  those  whom  we  bring  forward  for  the  sacred 
ministry  should  leave  us,  and  our  Churches  be  left  to  suffer,  has 
caused  me  very  great  anxiety  and  sorrow.  But  still  we  have 
much  cause  of  thankfulness  to  Him  whose  mercy  endureth  forever. 
All  have  not  forsaken  us,  and  they  who  have  left  this  Diocese,  will 
labour  profitably  no  doubt  in  other  parts  of  our  country  ;  and  Chris- 
tians cannot  be  too  cautious  how  they  are  influenced  by  local  par- 
tialities, or  selfish  views.  Those  of  our  Churches,  which  have  had 
the  constant  labours  of  pious,  faithful  ministers,  have  generally  been 
blessed  with  prosperity  and  increase." 

"  '  To  depart  and  be  with  Christ  is  better'  for  His  faithful  min- 
isters, than  any  good  which  they  can  hope  for  in  this  present  life  ; 


JOURJ^AL-1830.  355 

but  to  abide  here  is  more  needful  for  His  Cliurch  ;  and  it  is  an 
additional  cause  of  thankfulness  that  the  clergy  of  this  Diocese 
have  generally  been  blessed  with  life  and  health.  Till  within  a 
few  mournful  weeks,  I  had  indulged  the  hope  of  congratulating 
my  clerical  brethren  on  this  occasion,  and  reporting,  that,  during 
the  year  past,  none  had  by  death  been  taken  from  our  number ; 
but  recent  and  mournful  tidings  have  brought  us  a  very  painful 
exception.  I  scarce  need  mention  what  you  all  so  well  know  and 
feel,  that  the  highly  respected  Rector  of  this  Church  " — the  Rev. 
J.  S.  J.  Gardner,  D.  D. — "has  been  removed  from  his  labor  here 
on  earth.  Many  recollections  of  things  past,  and  other  affecting 
considerations,  must  on  this  occasion  fill  our  hearts  with  sadness, 
'sorrowing  most  of  all  that  we  shall  see  his  face  no  more.'  With 
his  surviving  family,  and  many  worthy,  ardent  friends,  we  are 
called,  and,  I  trust,  we  are  all  disposed  to  mingle  the  sympathizing 
tear  ;  and  also  to  lift  our  hearts  in  humble  prayer  to  the  Father 
of  mercies  and  God  of  all  comfort,  that  He  will  sanctify  this 
mournful  event  to  the  congregation  of  His  people  who  worship  in 
this  house ;  that  the  death  of  him,  who  has  so  long  labored  in 
word  and  doctrine  among  them,  may  be  so  blessed  as  to  conduce 
to  their  spiritual  benefit.  To  us  of  the  clergy,  and  to  myself 
chiefly,  should  this  bereavement  be  an  awakening  admonition  to 
be  faithful  and  diligent  in  whatever  our  hand  findeth  to  do,  and 
prepared  to  render  an  account  of  our  stewardships." 

"  During  the  year  now  past,  several  of  the  most  promising,  use- 
ful and  eminent  of  our  clergy,  in  other  parts  of  our  country,  have 
been  called  from  their  labour,  to  receive  their  reward  ;  and  among 
them  are  numbered  two  of  our  most  able,  zealous  and  active 
Bishops,  arrested  by  the  messenger  of  God  in  the  midst  of  their 
usefulness  and  honors  :"  Bishops  Ravenscroft  and  Hobart.  "  But 
being  dead  they  will  yet  speak,  and  by  us  may  their  voice  be  so  heard, 
as  to  awaken  in  us  all  a  more  ardent  desire  to  emulate  their  zeal,  and 
share  with  them  in  glory.  Many  view  it  as  what  they  term  a  mys- 
terious providence^  that,  in  such  frequent  instances,  those  ministers 
of  Christ,  of  whom  we  have  the  highest  expectations,  and  seeming- 
ly the  Church  has  most  need,  should  the  first,  and  the  earliest  in 
life,  be  taken  away.  But  God  seeth  not  as  men  see  :  in  His  uner- 
ring wisdom  this  may  be  one  of  the  reasons  that  they  are  taken 


356  JOVRJ^AL-~1830. 

from  us  :  we  think  of  tliem  too  highly  :  we  naturally  and  very 
much  incline  to  ascribe  to  human  talent,  and  secondary  causes, 
the  glory  which  belongs  to  God  only.  Our  idols  it  may  be  are 
removed,  that  the  Lord  may  be  our  God.  But  for  whatever  pur- 
pose, in  the  counsels  of  unerring  wisdom,  we  are  thus  visited,  it 
is  evidently  the  duty  of  us,  who  are  yet  spared,  to  redeem  the 
time  ;  to  be  more  active  and  diligent  in  performing  the  duties,  and 
increasing  the  numbers  of  the  ministers  of  Christ." 

"  In  this  Diocese,  in  the  past  year,  the  increase  has  been  but 
small.  Three  only,  Henry  Blackaller,  Silas  A.  Crane  and  Chaun- 
cey  Colton,  have  been  ordained  Deacons.  The  Rev.  Messrs,  James 
Sabine,  Isaac  Peck,  Henry  Blackaller,  Samuel  Fuller,  George  W. 
Hathaway  and  Edward  Ballard,  Deacons,  have  been  admitted  to 
the  order  of  Presbyters.  George  V.  C.  Eastman,  Jacob  Pierson, 
Ephraim  Monroe,  Matthias  Monroe,  Charles  E.  Leverett,  Joseph 
M.  Brown,  Samuel  B.  Babcock,  Josiah  M.  Bartlett,  Francis  A. 
Foxcroft,  Samuel  M'Burney  and  Mark  Anthony  D' Wolfe  Howe, 
eleven  in  number,  and  four  of  them  natives  of  Bristol,  in  Rliode 
Island,  have  been  admitted  as  Candidates  for  Holy  Orders. — 
George  Bridgman,  one  of  our  former  Candidates,  has  left  this 
Diocese,  being  regularly  dismissed.  Also,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Orange 
Clark,  James  H.  Tyng,  Thomas  S.  W.  Mott,  Norris  M.  Jones  and 
James  M.  Tappan,  have  taken,  at  their  own  request,  letters  dimis- 
aory  to  other  parts  of  the  country.  The  Rev.  Chauncey  Colton 
is  officiating  in  the  Diocese  of  New- York.  The  Rev.  George 
Leonard  did  also  take  a  dismission  to  Virginia ;  but  has  since 
returned,  and  we  hope  may  continue  his  labors  in  this  Diocese. 
The  Rev.  William  S.  Perkins,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Fuller,  and  the 
Rev.  William  S.  Potter,  I  am  happy  to  state,  have  been  added 
unto  us ;  and  the  Rev.  George  W.  Hathaway,  who  had  for  some 
time  resided  among  us,  has  been  also  canonically  transferred  to 
this  Diocese." 

"  In  Vermont  the  Churches  in  Berkshire,  Montgomery  and 
some  other  places,  are  still  vacant  and  suffering.  The  ministry 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hard  in  Fairfield  and  in  Sheldon  is  much  blessed. 
He  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nash  perform  missionary  duties  in  several 
towns  adjoining,  and  with  good  effect.  The  liberality  of  the 
little  parish  in  St.  Albaus,  and  their  pious  exertions  to  support 


JOVRKAL-1830.  357 

their  minister  and  in  purchasing  a  house  for  his  use  are  worthy  of 
much  praise.  The  parish  in  Arlington  has,  with  much  cordiality 
and  aflfection,  called  and  received  the  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins  as  their 
minister,  and  go  forward  with  the  building  of  a  beautiful  stone 
Church.  The  Churches  in  Woodstock  and  Bethel,  have,  with 
like  zeal,  determined  to  have  a  minister  in  each.  Their  beloved 
pastor,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clap,  resides  now  and  labors  in  Woodstock. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Sabine  from  Boston,  it  is  hoped,  will  take  the  pas- 
toral charge  of  the  Church  in  Bethel,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Crane 
from  Providence,  of  that  in  Middlebliry.  Should  the  latter  parish 
after  being  so  long  destitute  and  suffering,  be  at  length  happily 
supplied,  it  will  ease  me  of  much  painful  anxiety.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Horton  is  called  to  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  Church  in  Windsor, 
where  he  has  through  the  year  successfully  labored,  and  where  it 
is  expected  that  he  will  be  ordained." 

"On  the  15th  of  July"  1830,  the  house  erected  in  Warren, 
R.  I.  "called  St.  Mark's  Church,  was  consecrated  to  God's  holy 
worship.  And  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Hathaway  was  admitted  to  the  Order  of  Priests,  and  Mr.  Crane 
was  ordained  Deacon.'.' 


The  "  very  important  suit"  mentioned  in  the  Report  of  the 
Prudential  Committee  as  recently  decided  by  the  Supreme  Court 
of  the  United  States,  was  that  of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation 
of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts  against  The  Town  of  Pawlet. 
This  decision  was  rendered  at  the  January  Term,  1830. 

The  case  was  argued  by  Mr.  Webster,  for  the  Plaintiffs,  and  by 
Mr.  Doddridge,  for  the  Defendants.  Mr.  Doddridge  also  presented 
the  written  argument  of  Mr.  J.  C.  Wright,  for  the  defendants, 
as  did  Mr.  Webster,  an  argument  for  the  plaintiffs,  prepared  by 
the  counsel  in  the  Circuit  Court  of  Vermont. 

Mr.  Justice  Story  delivered  the  opinion  of  the  Court ;  Mr.  Jus- 
tice Baldwin  dissenting  on  the  first  point. 

This  cause  is  certified  to  this  Court  from  the  Circuit  Court  for 
the  District  of  Vermont,  upon  certain  points  u])on  which  the 
Judges  of  that  court  were  opposed  in  opinion. 

The  original  action  was  an  ejectment,  in  the  nature  of  a  real 


358  JOURMAL-1830. 

action,  according  to  the  local  practice,  in  vvliich  no  fictitious  per- 
sons intervene  ;  and  it  was  brought  in  May  1824,  to  recover  a  cer- 
tain lot  of  land,  being  the  first  division  lot  laid  out  to  the  right 
of  a  Society  in  the  town  of  Pawlet.  The  Plaintitfs  are  described 
in  the  writ  as  "The  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in 
Foreign  Parts,  a  corporation  duly  established  in  England,  within 
the  dominions  of  the  King  of  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Brit- 
ain and  Ireland,  the  members  of  which  Society  are  aliens  and 
subjects  of  said  King."  The  defendants  pleaded  the  general  issue, 
not  guilty,  which  was  joined  ;  and  the  cause  was  submitted  to  a 
jury  for  trial.  By  agreement  of  the  parties  at  the  trial,  at  the 
October  Term  of  the  Circuit  Court  1828,  the  jury  were  dis- 
charged from  giving  any  verdict ;  upon  the  disagreement  of  the 
Judges  upon  the  points  growing  out  of  the  facts  stated  in  the 
record.  The  points  were  :  First;  Whether  the  Plaintiffs  have 
shown  that  they  have  any  right  to  hold  lands  ?  Second  ;  Whether 
the  Plaintiffs  are  barred  by  the  three  years  limitation  in  the  Act 
of  the  27th  of  October  1785,  or  any  other  of  the  statutes  of  limit- 
ation ?  Third  ;  Whether,  under  the  laws  of  Vermont,  the  plain- 
tiffs are  entitled  to  recover  mesrie  profits ;  and  if  so,  for  what 
length  of  time  ?  These  points  have  been  argued  before  us ;  and 
it  remains  for  me  to  pronounce  the  Decision  of  the  Court. 

The  defendants  pleaded  the  general  issue  of  not  guilty. 
This  plea  admits  the  competency  of  the  plaintiffs  to  sue  in  the 
corporate  capacity  in  which  they  have  sued.  If  the  defendants 
meant  to  have  insisted  upon  the  wants  of  a  corporate  capacity  in 
the  plaintiffs  to  sue,  it  should  have  been  insisted  upon  by  a  special 
plea  in  abatement  or  bar.  Pleading  to  the  merits  has  been  held 
by  this  court  to  be  an  admission  of  the  capacity  of  the  plaintiffs  to 
sue.  But  the  point  here  raised  is  not  so  much  whether  the  plain- 
tiffs are  entitled  to  sue  generally  as  a  corporation,  as  whether 
they  have  shown  a  right  to  hold  lands.  The  general  issue  admits 
not  only  the  competency  of  the  plaintiffs  to  sue,  but  to  sue  in  the 
particular  action  which  they  bring.  But  in  the  present  case,  we 
think,  there  is  abundant  evidence  in  the  record  to  establish  the 
right  of  the  corporation  to  hold  the  lands  in  controversy.  It  was 
given  to  them  by  the  royal  charter  of  1761,  which  created  the 
town  of  Pawlet.     Among  the  grantees  therein    named,  is  "the 


JOVRKAL-1830.  359 

Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,"  to 
whom  one  share  in  the  township  is  given.  This  is  a  plain  recog- 
nition by  the  crown,  of  the  existence  of  the  corporation,  and  of 
its  capacity  to  take.  It  would  confer  the  power  to  take  the  lands, 
even  if  it  had  not  previously  existed.  The  Society  received  va- 
rious other  donations  of  the  same  nature,  and  accepted  them. 
Besides,  the  Act  of  1794,  under  which  the  town  of  Pawlet  claims 
the  lands,  distinctly  admits  the  existence  of  the  corporation,  and 
its  capacity  to  take  the  very  land  in  controversy,  their  title  to 
hold  being  divested,  and  vested  in  the  State  by  the  Revolution. 
This  question  was  decided  in  the  case  of  the  Society  against  New- 
Haven.  In  that  case  it  was  held  that  the  Revolution  did  not 
divest  the  title  of  the  Society. 

A  qertificate  ought  accordingly  to  be  sent  to  the  Circuit  Court, 
that  the  Plaintiffs  have  shown  that  they  have  a  right  to  hold  the 
lands  in    controversy. 

Upon  the  second  question,  viz :  Whether  the  Plaintiffs  are 
barred  by  the  three  years  limitation  in  the  Act  of  the  27th  of 
October,  1785,  or  any  other  of  the  statutes  of  limitation  ?  — our 
opinion  is  that  the  Plaintiffs  are  not  barred  by  the  three  years 
limitation,  in  the  Act  of  27th  of  October,  1785,  or  by  any  other  of 
the  statutes  of  limitations  of  Vermont. 

There  are  good  grounds  why  statutes  of  limitation  should  not 
be  applied  against  grants  for  public,  pious,  and  charitable  uses 
when  they  may  well  be  applied  against  mere  private  rights.  The 
public  have  a  deep  and  permanent  interest  in  such  charities  ;  and 
that  interest  far  outweighs  all  considerations  of  mere  private 
convenience. 

Upon  the  third  question,  viz.  Whether,  under  the  law^s  of 
Vermont,  the  Plaintiffs  are  entitled  to  recover  mesne  profits,  and, 
if  so  for  what  length  of  time  ?  —  the  court  held  that  the  Act  of 
the  loth  of  November,  1820,  which  prohibits  the  recovery  of  mesne 
profits  in  certain  cases,  applies  to  the  claims  to  such  profits  by  the 
Plaintiffs,  except  in  so  far  as  they  can  bring  their  case  within  the 
provisions  of  the  third  section  of  that  act.  The  treaty  of  peace  of 
178?$,  and  the  British  treaty  of  1794,  do  not  apply  to  the  case.  The 
right  of  action,  if  any,  of  the  plaintiffs,  did  not  accrue  until  the 
year  1795.     The  entry  then  of  the  defendants  was  the  first  ouster: 


360  JOURMAL-1831. 

and  at  that  time,  in  the  action  of  ejectment,  the  plaintiffs  could 
not  have  recovered  any  damages ;  but  would  have  been  driven  to 
an  action  of  trespass  for  mesne  profits.  The  Legislature  was  com- 
petent to  regulate  the  remedy  by  ejectment,  and  to  limit  its  oper- 
ation. It  has  so  limited  it.  It  has  taken  away  by  implication 
the  right  to  recover  me&ne  profits,  as  consequential  upon  the  recov- 
ery in  ejectment,  and  given  the  party  his  damages  in  the  latter 
action.  It  has  prescribed  the  restrictions  upon  which  mesne  profits 
shall  be  recovered  ;  and  these  restrictions  are  obligatory  upon  the 
citizens  of  the  State.  The  Plaintiffs  have  not,  in  this  particular, 
any  privileges  by  treaty  beyond  those  of  citizens.  They  take  the 
benefit  of  the  statute  remedy  to  recover  their  right  to  the  lands  ; 
and  they  must  take  the  remedy  with  all  the  statute  restrictions. 
9  Curtis'  Reports,  160—168.    (4  Peters,  480.) 


Although  in  advance  of  the  Journal,  yet,  in  order  to  finish  the 
affair  of  Pawlet,  it  may  be  well  to  mention  here  that  the  Selectmen 
of  Pawlet  petitioned  the  Legislature  in  1831,  "for  remuneration 
for  expenses  incurred  in  defending  suits  brought  by  the  Society 
for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,"  as  did  also 
the  Selectmen  of  Danby  for  a  similar  purpose.  These  petitions,  by 
the  recommendation  of  the  Committee  on  Claims,  were  referred  to 
the  Legislature  of  1832.     Journal  1831,  pp.  16,  17,  88. 

In  the  session  of  the  Legislature  in  1832,  these  petitions  were 
again  taken  up,  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Claims,  reported  on 
and  dismissed.     Journal  1832,  pp.  19,  78. 


1831. 

Arlington,  25th  May,  1831. 

The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
Vermont  was  opened  according  to  appointment. 

Sylvester  Deming  was  appointed  President,  and  Enos 
Canfield,  Secretary  pro  tempore.  The  Convention  was  then 
adjourned  to  meet  at  this  place  on  the  last  Wednesday  in 

Attest,    ENOS  CANFIELD,  Secretary  pro  tem. 


JOURJfAL-1831.  361 

Arlington,  August  31,  1831. 
The  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
Vermont,  met  according  to   adjournment   in    the    Vestry 
Koom   of  St.   James'  Church,  Arlington,  on  Wednesday, 
August  31,  1831,  at  9  o'clock,  a.  m. 

Present : 
The  Right  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold,  D.  D.,  President, 

ex  officio. 
Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rector  of  Zion  0\mvc\\,Mancliester. 
Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rector  of  Immanuel  Church,  Belloios 

Falls. 
Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rector  of  St.  James'  Church,  Woodstock. 
Rev.  Silas  A.  Crane,  Rector  of  St.    Stephen's  Church, 

Middlehury. 
Rev.  William  Horton,   Minister  of  St.   Paul's  Church, 

Windsor. 
Rev.  Louis  McDonald,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Shelburn. 
Rev.  William  S.  Perkins,  Deacon,  Minister  of  St.  James' 

Church,  Arlington. 
Rev.  James  Sabine,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Bethel. 

Rev.  Joel  Clap  was  appointed  Secretary. 

The  following  gentlemen  presented  their  Credentials,  and 
took  their  seats  as  Lay  Delegates  : 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  ARLINGTON: 

Sylvester  Deming,  Simeon  Cole. 

Samuel  S.  Baker,  Enos  Canfield. 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER: 

Cyrel  Fuller,  John  C.  Roberts. 

David  Dyer, 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  PAWLET  : 

Daniel  Fitch.  Ashbel  Hollister. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  POULTNEY  : 
Amon  Bailey,  Timothy  Marshall. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  RUTLAND: 

Porter  Howe. 


362  JO  JJRJfAL-l  831. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY  : 
DORASTUS  WOOSTER,  GeORGE  ClEAVELAND. 

UNION  CHURCH.  ST.  ALBANS: 

John  Richardson. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL: 

Oliver  Gleason, 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD: 

Edward  Houghton,  Jr. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WELLS: 

John  C.  Hopson,  David  Lewis. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  the  Presi- 
dent be,  and  hereby  is,  requested  to  invite  Clergymen  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and  Candidates  for  Holy 
Orders  in  the  same,  who  may  be  in  town  during  the  session 
of  this  Convention,  to  honorary  seats  in  the  same. 

The  following  Clergymen  appeared  and  took  their  seats 
in  pursuance  of  the  provision  of  tlie  foregoing  resolution : 
Rev.  William  H.  Mitchell,  of  South-Carolina,  Rev.  Phineas 
L.  Whipple,  Rev.  Moore  Bingham,  and  Rev.  Alva  Bennet, 
of  New- York  ;  Rev.  Samuel  B.  Shaw,  Rev.  Silas  Blaisdell, 
of  Massachusetts,  Rev.  Edward  Ballard,  of  New-Hampshire. 

The  following  communication  from  the  Secretary  of  the 
Convention  of  Massachusetts  was  read,  and  referred  to  a 
Committee,  consisting  of  the  following  gentlemen  :  Rev. 
Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  and  Hon.  Dorastus 
Wooster,  to  report  thereon  to  this  Convention. 

Cambridge,  Jane  25,  1831 
To  THE  Standing  Committee  of  the 

Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont  : 
Gentlemen:  —  At  the  last  Convention  of  our  Church,  in  the 
State  of  Massachusetts,  the  following  report  of  a  Committee  for 
the  purpose  therein  named,  was  accepted  by  nearly  a  unanimous 
vote  : 


JOURJfAL-1831.  363 

"  The  Committee,  appointed  to  consider  the  propriety  and 
•expediency  of  erecting  Massachusetts  into  a  separate  Diocese,  and 
if  practicable,  the  means  of  accomplishing  it,  respectfully  report: 

That  if  such  an  arrangement  can  be  effected,  with  the  concur- 
rence and  approbation  of  the  other  States,  with  which  it  is  now 
connected,  and  the  Episcopal  jurisdiction  of  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
Griswold  be  retained,  it  is  in  the  highest  degree  expedient  and 
desirable,  not  only  as  respects  Massachusetts,  but  likewise  for  the 
sister  States  of  the  Eastern  Diocese ;  the  prosperity  of  the  Church 
in  each  depending  mainly,  under  God,  on  the  constant  oversight 
and  frequent  visitations  of  its  spiritual  father. 

As  to  the  means : — The  Committee  recommend,  that  the  Secre- 
tary of  this  Convention  be  instructed  to  communicate  this  report 
to  the  several  Standing  Committees  of  Rhode  Island,  Vermont, 
New-Hampshire,  and  Maine,  earnestly  and  affectionately  commend- 
ing the  proposition  to  their  consideration  and  earliest  attention. 

E.  A.  NEWTON,  Chairman." 

"Allow  me  now,  in  obedience  to  my  directions,  earnestly  and 
affectionately  to  request  your  attention,  at  as  early  a  date  as  possi- 
ble, to  the  proposed  withdrawraent  of  Massachusetts  from  the 
Eastern  Diocese ;  and  that  you  will  take  such  measures  to  forward 
the  end  desired  by  our  Convention,  as  will  accomplish  it  in  the 
shortest  time,  consistent  with  safety,  propriety,  and  the  dictates 
of  Christian  courtesy  and  duty. 

Very  respectfully,  &c. 

T.  W.  COIT,  Secretary  of  Conv.  of  Mass. 
To  the  S.  C.  of  the  P.  E.  Ch. 

in  the  State  of  Vermont." 

The  following  report  of  the  Prudential   Committee  was 
presented,  read  and  accepted  : 
TO  THE  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 

THE  State  of  Vermont,  assembled  at  Ari.inoton,  August  31, 

1831,— 

The  Prudential  Committee  in  presenting  their  annual  report, 
beg  leave  to  state, 

That  judging  by  information,  received  from  authentic  sources, 
and  by  measures  in  which  they  have  borne  a  part,  they  feel  justi- 


364  JOVRKAL-1831. 

fied  in  expressing  the  opinion,  that  the  long  series  of  difficulties, 
which  the  Church  has  had  to  encounter,  beyond  all  possibility  of 
prevention  or  foresight,  in  maintaining  its  just  rights  of  property 
in  this  State,  are  about  drawing  to  a  happy  close.  Judgments 
have  been  rendered  in  favor  of  the  Society  in  all  cases  hitherto 
carried  into  Court.  Hence  if  we  consider  the  course,  which  has 
been  pursued,  and  the  nature  of  the  cases  presented  for  adjudica- 
tion, there  would  seem  to  remain  no  debatable  questions. 

Sometime  last  spring,  the  General  Agents  directed  their  Attor- 
ney to  bring  suits  in  all  cuses  where  towns  or  individuals  refused 
to  surrender  the  lands  of  the  Society.  But  being  unable  to  pro- 
cure the  necessary  information  concerning  the  situation  of  the 
lands  in  season  for  the  May  Term  of  the  Court,  the  Attorney 
states  that  no  suits  have  yet  been  commenced.  Some  surrendries 
have  been  obtained,  and  some  leases  effected  since  the  last  report; 
though  the  Committee  are  not  able  to  say  to  what  extent.  There 
is  reason  to  expect,  that  the  business  will  now  be  pushed  with  all 
convenient  dispatch ;  more  especially,  if  the  Agents  shall  be  suc- 
cesful  in  obtaining  the  aid,  which  they  hope,  of  the  gentlemen 
who  have  been  nominated  and  recommended  to  the  Venerable 
Society  to  be  added  to  the  present  body  of  Agents.  The  united 
wishes  of  the  Agents,  and  of  the  Convention  on  this  point  have 
been  carried  towards  effect,  so  far  as  depended  on  measures  to  be 
taken  here. 

The  following  were  the  persons  nominated  and  recommended 
by  the  Convention,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  Agents :  to  wit : 
Hon.  Jonathan  H.  Hubbard,  Hon.  Dorastus  Wooster,  Jonathan 
Hagar,  Esq.  and  the  I\ev.  Carlton  Chase. 

Documents,  supposed  to  be  sufficient  to  sustain  these  nomina- 
tions— also  to  obtain  some  advantageous  and  necessary  modifica- 
tions of  the  original  Power  of  Attorney,  were  about  one  year 
since  prepared  by  the  Prudential  Committee  in  connection  with 
the  Agents.  Early  in  October,  these  in  a  completed  state,  were 
put  into  the  hands  of  George  Atkinson,  Esq.  of  the  City  of  Lon- 
don, then  and  now  in  this  countiy,  and  by  him  were  transmitted 
immediately  to  his  correspondent  in  London.  They  were  duly 
received  and  an  assurance  returned,  that  they  should  be  laid  be- 
fore the  Directors  of  the  Society  at  the  very  first  opening  presen- 


JO  URMAL-1 831.  365 

ted  by  their  forms  of  business.  And  Mr.  Atkinson  has  no  doubt, 
that  an  answer  will  be  obtained  and  returned  as  soon  as  those 
forms  will  possibly  admit.     It  is  indeed  expected  daily. 

Respecting  the  state  of  the  Treasury  and  the  Treasurer's  books, 
and  the  income  of  lands  already  secured  and  leased,  the  Commit- 
tee are  not  prepared  to  make  statements.  If  an  apology  is  needed, 
it  may  be  found  in  the  discouraging  difficulties,  which  have  here- 
tofore lain  in  the  way  of  this  part  of  the  duty  assigned  them  by 
the  Convention — added  to  the  consideration  of  their  residing  at  a 
great  distance  from  the  seat  of  the  Agency  business. 

CARLTON  CHASE,  for  the  Committee. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  the  Prudential 
Committee  for  the  year  ensuing  :  Kev.  Carlton  Chase,  Ed- 
ward R.  Campbell,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  John  A.  Pratt. 

On  motion,  proceeded  to  the  election  of  the  Standing 
Committee  for  the  present  year,  when  the  following  gentle- 
men were  chosen :  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Joel  Clap, 
Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rev.  Sylvester  Nash,  Rev.  Silas  A. 
Crane. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  last  Convention  to 
examine  the  Canons  of  the  Church,  and  report  whether 
any,  and  if  any  what  further  Canons  are  necessary  to  be 
adopted  by  this  Convention,  submitted  a  report,  which  was 
read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  business  of  the  Convention  was  then  suspended  for 
the  purpose  of  attending  Divine  Service,  to  be  resumed 
immediately  after  Divine  Service,  in  St.  James'  Church. 

St.  James'  Church  was  then  consecrated  by  the  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Griswold. 

Morning  Prayer  was  read  by  Rev.  Mr.  Ballard,  and  the 
Sermon  delivered  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop.  After  which 
the  business  of  the  Convention  was  resumed,  and  adjourned 
to  meet  in  the  Vestry  Room  of  St.  James'  Church,  at  two 
o'clock,  p.  M. 


366  JOURJfAL-1831. 

Two  o'clock,  p.  M. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment,  and 
adjourned  for  the  purpose  of  attending  Divine  Service. 

Evening  Prayer  was  read  by  Rev.  Mr.  Mitchell,  and  a 
Sermon  delivered  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop.  After  which 
the  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  following  Report  of  the  Standing  Committee  was 
presented  and  read  : 

At  a  regular  meeting  at  which  all  the  members  were  present, 
holden  at  Windsor,  on  the  26th  day  of  May,  1830,  Rev.  A.  Bron- 
son  was  appointed  President,  and  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Secretary. 

On  the  27th  day  of  May,  present  as  on  the  day  previous,  the 
requisite  testimonials  in  favor  of  Rev.  William  Horton,  Deacon, 
recommending  him  to  the  Bishop,  for  Priest's  Orders  were  executed 

At  a  regular  meeting  holden  at  Middlebury,  on  the  7th  day  of 
July,  1830,  Present,  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rev. 
Carlton  Chase,  Rev.  Sylvester  Nash,  the  requisite  testimonial  in 
favor  of  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  William  Murray  Stone, 
Bishop  elect  of  the  Diocese  of  Maryland,  were  duly  executed. 

At  a  regular  meeting  holden  at  Perkinsville  in  Weathersfield, 
on  the  1st  day  of  November,  1830,  Present,  Rev.  Abraham  Bron- 
son, Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  the  requisite  testimonial 
in  favor  of  the  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Tredwell  Onder- 
donk,  Bishop  elect  of  the  Diocese  of  New-York,  was  duly  executed. 

On  the  23d  day  of  August,  1831,  the  requisite  testimonial  in 
favor  of  Rev.  Silas  A.  Crane,  Deacon,  recommending  him  to  the 
Bishop,  for  Priest's  Orders,  was  executed. 

JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 

The  Committtee  to  whom  was  referred  the  communication 
from  the  Secretary  of  the  Convention  of  Massachusetts, 
submitted  the  following  resolutions,  which  were  unanimously 
adopted  : 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  fully  concur  with  the 
Convention  of  Massachusetts,  in  the  conviction,  that  it  is 
expedient,  and  desirable,  that,  as  soon  as  circumstances 
permit,  arrangements  be  made  for  dividing  the  Eastern  Dio- 
cese into  smaller  Episcopal  jurisdictions. 


JOVRKAL-1831.  367 

Resolved,  also,  That  this  Convention  cannot  contemplate 
"without  the  most  sensible  pain,  any  measures,  whose  effect 
may  be  to  deprive  the  Church  in  Vermont,  of  the  Episcopal 
services  of  her  present  excellent  and  greatly  beloved  Bishop, 
— and  that  nothing  would  induce  this  Convention  to  consent 
to  such  measures  but  a  belief  that  the  prosperity  of  the 
Churches  requires  them. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Clap,  the  report  of  the  Com- 
mittee upon  the  Canons  was  taken  up,  whereupon  the  fol- 
lowing Canons  as  reported  by  said  Committee  were  adopted: 

CANON  HI. 

OF  THE  TRIAL  OF  PERSONS  REPELLED  FROM  THE  COMMUNION. 

In  case  any  member  of  this  Church,  repelled  from  the 
Holy,  Communion,  shall  make  complaint  to  the  Bishop, 
and  demand  a  trial  according  to  the  third  Canon  of  the 
General  Convention  of  1817,  the  Bishop  with  two  presbyters 
of  this  Diocese  shall  proceed  with  all  reasonable  dis23atch 
to  investigate  the  facts,  in  the  parish  where  the  complaining 
party  resides;  thirty  days  notice  being  given  to  said  party 
and  also  to  the  repelling  Minister.  And  the  Bishop  with 
advice  of  his  presbyters  shall  affirm  or  reverse  the  repulsion, 
or  proceed  to  severer  measures,  even  to  the  excommunica- 
tion of  the  party  tried,  as  in  their  judgment  the  facts  shall 
require.  Or  the  Bishop  may  direct  any  three  presbyters  of 
the  Diocese  to  hold  such  investigation,  who  shall  report  the 
facts  to  him,  with  their  opinion  of  the  award  which  the 
facts  require.  And  the  Bishop,  if  he  approve,  shall  pro- 
nounce judgment  accordingly. 

CANON  IV. 

CONCERNING    COUNCILS    IN    CASE    OF  DIFFERENCE    BETWEEN  MINISTERS 
AND    THEIR    CONGREGATIONS. 

It  is  hereby  ordered  that  every  Council  called  by  the 
Bishop,  or  Convention  or  Standing  Committee,  for  the  set- 
tlement of  differences  between  ministers  and  their  congre- 
gations, shall  consist  of  the  Bishop  and  at  least  three  pres- 


368  J0URKAL-18S1. 

byters,  or,  in  the  absence  of  the  Bishop,  of  at  least  five 
presbyters,  who  shall  make  report  to  the  Bishop.  And  in 
all  cases  the  parties  concerned  shall  have  twelve  days  notice 
of  the  time  and  place  of  holding  the  Council.  (See  Canon 
32,  of  Greneral  Convention.) 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Crane,  Resolved,  That  the 
Secretary  of  this  Convention  be,  and  hereby  is,  directed  to 
make  application  to  the  next  Diocesan  Convention  and  to 
the  several  State  Conventions  in  the  Eastern  Diocese  for 
permissfon  to  erect  this  State  into  a  separate  Diocese  as 
oon  as  such  separation  can  regularly  be  effected. 

The  following  Parochial  Reports  were  presented  and  read: 
TRINITY  CHURCH,  PAWLET. 

DANIEL  FITCH,  SENIOR  WARDEN. 

Communicants,  26 ;  Confirmations,  3. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  POULTNEY. 

MOORE  BINGHAM,  RECTOR. 

Communicants,  40  —  added  9 ;  Baptisms,  (adults  8,  infants  6)  — 
14;  Marriage,  1;  Funerals,  2;  Confirmations,  29;  a  part  of 
which  number  is  of  persons  belonging  to  the  parish  of  St.  John's, 
in  Rutland.     Sunday  Scholars,  25. 

The  new  Church  is  in  progress,  and  will  probably  be  finished 
in  six  or  eight  weeks. 

The  associations  in  the  parish  are  a  Bible,  Prayer  Book,  Tract, 
Sunday  School  and  Missionary  Associations ;  also  a  Female  Circle 
of  Industry,  for  charitable  purposes. 

The  circumstances  and  prospects  of  the  parish  may  gratefully 
be  represented  as  prosperous. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  RUTLAND. 

MOORE  BINGHAM,  VISITING  MINISTER. 

Communicants,  the  number  not  known,  but  probably  10  or  12. 

This  parish  has  been  a  long  time   destitute  of  a  Clergyman ; 

but  it  is  thought  that  they  would  have  no  difficulty  in  employing 


J0UEJfAL-183L  369 

a  Clergyman  one  half  of  the  time,  and  joined  with  Castleton  or 
some  other  town  might  doubtless  support  one  for  the  whole  time. 
There  are  at  this  time  in  it  several  candidates  for  Baptism, 
Confirmation  and  the  Lord's  Supper ;  and  the  subscriber  has  no 
doubt  that,  with  some  reasonable  share  of  assistance,  this  parish 
might  soon  be  revived  and  greatly  enlarged. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WELLS. 

DAVID  LEWIS,  JOHN  C.   IIOPSON,  WARDENS. 

Communicants,  20 ;  Baptisms,  3 ;  Confirmations,  3. 

This  parish  at  present  is  under  the  charge  of  Rev.  Mr.  Bennet, 
in  connection  with  the  Church  in  Granville ;  yet  we  hold  our 
parish  meeting  separately,  and  have  our  share  of  preaching,  which 
at  present  amounts  to  one  fouith  of  the  time. 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH  ARLINGTON. 

W.  S.  PERKINS,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms  18,  10  adults  ;  Marriages  3;  Deaths  3;  Communi- 
cants 112;  (added  29)  Confirmed  37. 

The  Minister  of  this  parish  can  say  with  thankfulness  to  the 
Giver  of  all  good  that  it  has  never  been  in  a  more  interesting  con- 
dition either  temporally,  or  spiritually,  than  it  is  at  present.  The 
Church,  the  corner  stone  of  which  was  laid  by  our  Bishop  eigh- 
teen months  ago,  is  now  completed  and  consecrated.  In  every 
respect  it  fully  satisfies  the  feelings  of  its  builders.  Its  cost,  ex- 
clusive of  labor  done  by  the  parishioners  themselves,  of  which  no 
account  has  been  taken,  is  estimated  at  ten  thousand  dollars,  the 
whole  of  which  is  paid  by  the  parish. 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults),  13;  Marriages,  2;  Funerals,  4;  Communi- 
ants,  54. 

The  Divine  goodness  has  been  unusually  manifested  in  the  ad-' 
vanceraent  of  piety  in  this  parish  for  a  few  months  past.  There 
have  been  considerable  additions  to  the  Communion;  and  the 
work  of  grace  appears  to  be  still  going  on  among  the  people. 


370  J0VRKAL-18S1. 

Seventeen  persons  have  recently  been  confirmed  in  this  Church, 
and  seven  belonging  here  have  been  confirmed  to-day  in  Arlington. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY. 

S.  A.  CRANE,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms — infants  2,  adults  3;  Communicants  (added  8),  pres- 
ent number  44;  Confirmations,  9;  Marriages,  8;  Funerals,  10; 
Sunday  School  60.  Collection  on  Easter  Sunday,  for  the  Diocesan 
Missionary  fund,  $10.50.  One  Bible,  and  one  Missionary  Society. 
This  report  embraces  only  a  period  of  about  ten  months,  the  time 
of  the  present  Rector's  connexion  with  the  Society.  During  this 
period  the  Sunday  School  has  been  organized;  and  a  library  of 
one  hundred  and  thirty  volumes  collected.  This  Church  has  had 
many  difficulties  to  encounter ;  but  it  is  hoped  they  are  now  prin- 
cipally removed.  Apparently  it  is  in  a  prosperous  state,  and  the 
congregation  is  increasing.  With  gratitude  to  the  great  Head  of 
the  Church  for  the  success  that  has  already  attended  his  labors, 
the  Rector  hopes  that  he  shall  continue  to  be  prospered  in  his  ex- 
ertions to  promote  pure  and  undefiled  religion  in  this  branch  of 
our   Zion. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURN. 

LOUIS  MC  DONALD,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms — infants  4,  adults  3  ;  Confirmed,  5  ;  Marriages,  6  ; 
Funerals  11  ;  Communicants  70. 

The  state  of  this  parish  is  more  prosperous  than  at  the  meeting 
of  the  last  Convention. 

UNI6N  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS. 

SYLVESTER  NASH,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms — adults  10,  infants  7  ;  Confirmations,  24;  Funerals,  3 ; 
Marriages,  5  ;  Communicants,  50. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD,  AND  GRACE 
CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

The  prospects  of  these  parishes  have  never  at  any  former 
period  been  more  encouraging,  than  within  the  year  past.  In 
Trinity  Church  there  have  been  19  Baptisms,  9  Funerals.     Sunday 


JOVRJ^AL-1831.  371 

School  Scholars,  75  ;  Communicants,  90.  Additions  to  the  number 
of  communicants,  16.  In  Grace  Church  Sheldon,  there  have  been 
35  Baptisms,  3  Funerals,  Sunday  School  Scholars,  40.  Commu- 
nicants, 78,-  additions,  25.  During  the  year,  between  the  services 
on  the  Sabbath,  a  Bible  class  has  been  attended,  which  has  been 
much  blest,  nearly  every  member  of  which  is  hopefully  pious. 
The  ladies  of  these  parishes  by  the  payment  of  thirty  dollars  have 
constituted  their  pastor  a  life  member  of  the  Domestic  and  For- 
eign Missionary  Society.  Auxiliary  to  this  society,  Associations 
have  been  formed  in  both  parishes,  with  which  most  of  the  chil- 
dren, as  well  as  communicants,  are  connected.  The  increase  and 
prosperity  of  the  parishes  is  unquestionably  identified  with  the 
increase  of  a  missionary  spirit.  If  this  spirit  is  cherished,  the  par- 
ishes will  grow  and  prosper,  whatever  obstacle  may  oppose.  But 
if  the  claims  of  domestic  and  foreign  missions  are  disregarded, 
they  will  inevitably  languish  and  die.  This  point  has  been  re- 
peatedly urged  upon  the  attention  of  the  parishes  as  one  of  vital 
importance.  Within  a  little  more  than  one  year,  one  hundred 
and  seventy-five  Prayer  Books  have  been  disposed  of.  The  cir- 
culation of  tracts  published  by  the  Protestant  Episcopal  press, 
such  as  the  McEllen  Family,  &c.  has,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  had 
a  wonderful  effect  in  dissipating  prejudice  and  in  preparing  the 
minds  of  the  people  for  a  warm  and  hearty  reception  of  the  Prayer 
Book.  In  the  month  of  April  last,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hard  resigned 
the  charge  of  these  parishes,  and  accepted  an  invitation  to  take 
charge  of  Trinity  Church,  Plattsburgh,  N.  Y.  Since  that  time 
they  have  been  destitute,  excepting  a  few  Sabbaths  which  have 
been  occupied  by  the  Rev.  Aaron  Humphrey.  The  leading  mem- 
bers have  with  commendable  zeal  kept  up  the  regular  services  of 
the  church,  and  had  a  sermon  read,  which  has  in  a  good  degree 
kept  them  together  in  the  unity  of  the  spirit  and  in  the  bond  of 
peace.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Hard  preached  two  Sabbaths  in  the  winter 
in  the  town  of  Highgate,  adjoining  Sheldon.  In  that  town  the 
foundation  of  a  church  edifice  was  laid  in  the  Spring,  and  by  an- 
other season  will  be  ready  for  consecration.  This  has  been  com- 
menced by  a  few  liberal,  benevolent,  warm  hearted  souls,  who  love 
the  Church,  "the  pillar  and  ground  of  the  truth,"  and  ardently 
desire  its  prosperity. 


372  JOUBMAL-1831. 

CALVARY  CHURCH,  BERKSHIRE. 

KICHARD  PECK,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  18,  infants  16)  —  34 ;  Funerals,  4 ;  Marriages,  1; 
Sunday  Scholars,  40 ;  Confirmed,  30 ;  Communicants  (added  40, 
removed  and  died  5)  —  95, 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY. 

RICHARD    FECK,    RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  9,  infants  4) — 13  ;  Funeral,  1 ;  Sunday  Schol- 
ars, 50  ;  Confirmed,  18  ;  Communicants  (added  25) — 80. 

These  churches  have  recently  experienced  a  season  of  refresh- 
ing from  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 

CHRIST'S  CHURCH,  ENOSBURGH. 

RICHARD  PECK,  MINISTER. 

Baptisms,  4 ;  Confirmed,  4  ;  Communicants,  (added  3,  suspend- 
ed 1,)— 11. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL. 

JAMES    SABINE,    RECTOR. 

Present  number  of  Communicants  (removed  to  other  place  s 
7,  by  death  4,  added  this  year  6) — 83  ;  Baptisms  (adults  4,  infants 
5)  _  9 ;  Sunday  School,  26 ;  Bible  Class,  16 ;   Confirmed,  23. 

The  Missionary  Society  stands  as  last  year. 

The  residence  of  the  present  Minister  has  been  only  from  last 
October,  his  institution  as  Rector  took  place  on  the  late  visitation 
of  the  Bishop,  eleventh  Sunday  after  Trinity,  August  14th.  The 
state  of  the  parish  is  somewhat  promising  ;  and  with  diligent  la- 
bor and  the  Divine  Blessing  it  is  hoped  the  Church  will  continue 
to  hold  on  her  way. 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  WOODSTOCK. 

JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms — adults  3,  infants  4 ;  Marriage,  1 ;  Communicants,  26. 

The  undersigned  removed  to  this  parish  soon  after  the  last 

meeting  of  this  Convention,  in  1830,  since  which  time  his  services 


JOURJfAL-lSSl.  373 

have  been  exclusively  devoted  to  the  same.  Although  there  has 
not  been  by  any  means  that  increase  of  spiritual  religion  which  is 
ardently  desired,  yet,  through  the  goodness  of  God,  the  congre- 
gation has  been  gradually  increasing,  and  there  seems  to  be 
indications  of  increasing  seriousness,  which  we  earnestly  pray  may 
result  in  a  general  excitement  of  religious  feeling.  Our  Sunday 
School  Library  has  been  recently  enlarged,  and  the  condition  of 
the  School  upon  the  whole  was  never  more  prosperous. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR. 

•  W.  HORTON,  OFFICIATING  MINISTER. 

Communicants,  60  ;  Baptisms,  8  ;  Confirmations,  16  ;  Sunday 
Scholars,  62  ;  Funerals,  3. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS. 

*   CARLTON  CUASE,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (7  adults,  5  children)  — 12;  Marriages,  4;  Deaths,  4; 
Communicants,  45  ;  Sunday  Scholars,  75  ;  Sunday  School  Library, 
300  volumes  ;  Parish  Library,  180  volumes. 

The  Rector  regrets  the  necessity  of  reporting  a  diminished  list 
of  Communicants.  The  pleasure  of  adding  twelve  new  names 
has  not  been  sufficient  to  counterbalance  the  pain  of  losing,  by 
death  and  changes  of  residence,  a  still  greater  number.  Yet  the 
bread  is  on  the  waters  somewhere,  and  will  be  found.  The  con- 
gregation has  never  been  so  large  as  it  is  now.  It  has  indeed 
outgrown  our  edifice, — insomuch  that  measures  arc  in  contempla- 
tion for  making  an  addition  to  it ;  which  will  probably  be  effected 
during  the  next  season.  The  weekly  Bible  Class,  reported  in 
former  years,  continues  to  be  well  attended.  The  Rector  is  dis- 
posed to  place  it  among  his  most  interesting  and  successful  means 
of  usefulness.  As  respects  benevolent  objects  abroad,  there  has 
been  contributed  by  the  "  Ladies'  Circle  of  Industry"  for  the 
general  purposes  of  the  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society, 
the  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars  ;  for  the  Greek  Mission,  by  gen- 
eral collection,  forty-three  dollars;  for  the  Diocesan  fund,  by 
Easter  collection,  fourteen  dollars ;  in  all,  one  hundred  and  fifty- 
seven  dollars. 


374  JOURMAL-1831. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD. 

SAMUEL  B.  SIIAW,  LATE  RECTOR. 

In  Christ  Church,  Guilford,  have  been  baptized,  during  the 
last  year,  6  infants  and  1  adult.  Making  allowance  for  additions, 
deaths  and  removals,  I  find  60  persons  now  members  of  the  com- 
munion. Eleven  couples  have  been  married,  and  24  persons  have 
been  buried,  of  whom  6  were  adults.  It  may  not  be  improper  to 
mention,  that  the  unusual  number  of  deaths  reported  was  occa- 
sioned by  the  prevalence  of  the  canker  rash,  and  that  many  of 
the  most  interesting  scholars  in  our  Sunday  Schools  fell  victims 
to  this  desolating  scourge.  Present  number  of  families  attending 
church,  between  80  and  90.  There  are  not  far  from  80  children 
in  the  Sunday  Schools,  and  a  respectable  class  for  instruction  in 
the  Scriptures  has  always  met  during  the  Summer.  Since  the 
last  Convention,  the  Church  in  the  East  village  has  been  re- 
painted, and  is  now  in  thorough  repair. 

The  subscriber,  having  been  called  in  the  providence  of  God  to 
another  field  of  labor,  and  circumstances  having  induced  him  to 
accept  the  invitation,  feels  it  his  duty,  after  a  connexion  of  almost 
nine  years  with  the  people  of  his  late  charge,  to  bear  testimony 
to  their  uniform  kindness  and  attention  to  himself  and  family ;  and 
to  their  diligent  and  regular  use  of  the  means  of  grace  afforded 
them  in  the  Church  of  Christ.  May  the  Lord  be  with  them,  and 
bless  them — may  he  direct  them  to  another  Shepherd,  who  will 
lead  them  to  green  pastures,  even  in  the  way  of  life  everlasting. 

Adjourned  until  half  past  7  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Thursday,  Sept.  1,  1831. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  the  Clergy 
of  this  State,  and  the  Wardens  of  destitute  Churches  be 
requested  to  persevere  in  presenting  to  their  people  the 
subject  of  the  Contingent  Fund,  and  in  soliciting  annual 
contributions  to  it. 

On  motion  by  Hon.  Dorastus  Wooster,  Resolved,  That 
the  next  annual  meeting  of  this  Convention  be  held  in  St. 
Stephen's  Church,  Middlebury. 


JOURMAL-1831.  375 

Rev.  William  Horton  was  appointed  to  preach  before  the 
next  Convention,  and  Bev.  Sylvester  Nash,  his  substitute. 

The  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund  presented  the 
following  report,  which  was  read  and  accepted  : 

Joel  Clap,  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund, 

To  THE  Convention,        Dr. 
To  balance  on  hand,  as  per  last  report,  after  deducting 

interest,  as  there  charged, $81.13 

To  contribution  from  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows  Falls,      .     6.50 
"  Zion  Church,  Manchester,     ....  2.00 

"  Trinity  Church,  Pavvlet, 75 

«  St.  Paul's  Church,  Wells,      ....   1.00 

$9L38 
Per  Contra,  Cr. 

By  amount  paid  for  printing  Journal  of  1830,     ....  $12.00 

Balance  on  hand  this  day, $79.38 

JOEL  CLAP,  Treasurer. 
September  1,  1831. 

On  motion  by  Hon.  D.  Wooster,  Resolved,  That  the 
Prudential  Committee  be  and  they  are  hereby  directed  to 
prosecute  the  measures  heretofore  entrusted  to  their  man- 
agement in  relation  to  the  agency  of  the  "Society's  Land  in 
this  State." 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  Delegates  to  the 
General  Convention  ;  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Carlton 
Chase,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rev.  Sylvester  Nash,  of  the  Clergy. 
Hon.  Dudley  Chase,  George  Cleaveland,  Alexander  Fleming, 
Esqrs.  and  Mr.  Cyrel  Fuller,  of  the  Laity. 

On  motion  by  Hon.  D,  Wooster,  Resolved,  That  the 
Secretary  be  directed  to  publish  six  hundred  copies  of  the 
Journal  of  this  Convention  at  the  expense  of  the  Contingent 
Fund. 

Adjourned  for  the  purpose  of  attending  Divine  Service. 
Morning  Prayer  was  read  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Sermon  by  the 


376  JOURJrAL-1831. 

Right  Rev.  Bishop.  Rev.  William  S.  Perkins,  Deacon,  was 
ordained  Priest.  After  which,  the  Holy  Communion  was 
administered  by  the  Bishop,  assisted  by  Rev,  Anson  B,  Hard. 
The  Convention  then  met  according  to  adjournment,  and 
adjourned,  without  day. 
A  true  Record. 

Attest 

JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 


The  following  passages  from  the  Address  of  Bishop  Griswold 
to  the  Annual  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  held  in  St.  Peter's 
Church,  Salem,  Mass.,  Sept.  28,  1831,  are  here  appropriate.  They 
are  copied  from  the  printed  Journal  of  that  Convention. 

"  First  of  all,  are  we  bound  to  unite  our  hearts  in  thanks  and 
praise  to  the  Father  of  mercies,  for  many  and  great  blessings  vouch- 
safed during  this  our  last  constitutional  year.  We  have  been 
preserved  from  desolating  judgments,  and  calamitous  events  ;  and 
generally  it  has  been  in  our  parishes,  a  season  of  health.  Some 
few  of  our  brethren,  and  much  esteemed  friends  of  the  laity,  it 
has  pleased  the  Lord  to  remove  by  death ;  but,  however 
deeply  we  must  lament  their  loss,  a  smaller  number  we  conld  not 
in  reason  have  expected.  Of  our  Clergy,  through  the  Lord's  good- 
ness, none  have  died.  Our  loss  from  the  Diocese  has  indeed  been 
great  and  severe  :  several  of  our  most  useful  parish  ministers  have 
removed  to  other  parts ;  and  at  no  former  period  have  our  Churches 
suffered  more  than  they  now  do,  from  the  want  of  faithful  laborers  : 
and  yet  with  thankfulness  may  we  add,  that  at  no  other  period, 
in  all  human  appearance,  have  the  labors  of  those  who  continue  with 
us  been  more  generally  blest.  Our  Churches  have  increased,  not 
in  numbers  only,  but  we  have  good  reason  to  believe,  in  piety  and 
religious  zeal ;  and  never  had  we  more  reason  to  thank  God  and 
take  courage." 

"  My  own  strength,  through  the  Divine  blessing,  has  been  so  con- 
tinued, that  my  labours  have  not  been  diminished — in  no  year  have 
they  been  more  abundant.  The  year  preceding  this  last,  I  visited 
all  our  Churches  but  six.  In  this  which  now  expires,  about  the 
same  number  only  have  been  visited;  and  these  few,  with  two  or 
three  exceptions,  such  as  did  not  particularly  need  my  services. 


J0UBMAL-183L  377 

Some  have  been  visited  twice,  and  I  have  done  in  tliat  way  as 
much  as  to  visit  all  once.  In  the  course  of  the  year  I  preached 
about  two  hundred  times,  and  about  thirty  times  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper.  A  particular  account  of  all  my  official  labors, 
would  be  too  great  a  tax  upon  your  patience.  A  narrative  of  my 
last  journey,  chiefly  in  Vermont,  has  recently  been  published.  It 
is  very  much  my  duty,  and  I  trust  sincerely  my  desire,  while  it 
shall  please  the  Lord  to  prolong  my  life  and  give  me  strength  to 
do  what  little  shall  be  in  my  power,  to  promote  the  interest  and 
increase  of  the  Churches  under  our  pastoral  care.  Those  in 
Maine,  and  all  on  the  west  side  of  the  Connecticut  River  have 
been  visited  once,  and  some  few  of  them  twice.  In  October,  soon 
after  the  meeting  of  our  last  Convention,  I  made  a  journey  in  the 
western  part  of  the  Diocese,  when  the  Rev.  Mr.  Horton  was  or- 
dained Priest  at  Windsor,  and  appointed  Pastor  of  the  Church 
there ;  and  it  happily  prospers  under  his  ministry.  I  have 
thought  it  my  duty  generally  to  ordain  Presbyters  in  the  parishes 
where  they  are  permanently  to  officiate ;  believing  it  for  reasons 
which  must  be  obvious  to  all,  to  be  of  essential  benefit.  For  this 
important  purpose  I  have  been  ready  to  go,  at  any  time,  and  to 
any  part  of  the  Diocese.  Of  all  men,  a  Bishop  should  be  the  least 
disposed  to  shrink  from  any  labour,  which  will  promote  religion, 
and  benefit  the  Church.  No  one  is  obliged  to  accept  an  office  of 
such  high  responsibility  :  if  we  do  accept  it,  we  must,  as  our  Lord 
commands,  le  the  servants  of  all.'''' 

"  In  New-Hampshire  there  has  been  some  increase.  The 
Churches  in  Hopkinton  and  Holderness  are  among  the  few  which 
I  have  not  visited.  Those  of  Cornish,  Claremont,  Charlestown 
and  Drewsville,  I  have  visited  twice  ;  as  also  those  of  Windsor 
and  Bellows  Falls,  in  Vermont.  Some  unpleasant  occurrences 
induced  the  Rev.  Mr.  Blackaller  to  resign  the  charge  of  the  small 
parish  in  Somersworth,  at  the  Great  Falls." 

"  On  the  19th  of  April  last,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Doane  was  instituted 
Rector  of  Trinity  Church  in  Boston.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Shaw  has 
resigned  the  charge  of  the  Church  in  Guilford  in  Vermont,  and 
become  the  Pastor  of  St.  Luke's  Church  in  Lanesborough  of  this 
State." 

"  In  Vermont,  though  they  are  suffering  the  most  from  the 
want  of  clergymen,  there  is  the  most  cause  of  thankfulness  to 


378  JOUEJfAL-1831. 

God  :  especially  for  the  great  numbers  recently  awakened  to 
righteousness,  and  the  very  evident  increase  of"  piety  throughout 
the  State.  In  my  late  journey  through  it,  /  confirmed  almost 
three  hundred^  and  the  greater  part  of  them,  so  far  as  man  cau 
judge,  had  been  recently  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  their  mind. 
With  the  exception  of  Shelburne  and  Guilford  the  Churches  are 
all  in  a  thriving  state.  In  the  latter  place,  they  are  of  course 
much  discouraged,  in  consequence  of  Mr.  Shaw's  leaving  them, 
and  it  is  very  necessary  that  some  one  should  supply  the  place." 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Hard  has  some  months  since  left  the  parishes  of 
Sheldon  and  Fairfield,  where  his  labours  were  very  much  blessed, 
and  is  dismissed  from  this  Diocese.  On  the  14th  of  the  last 
month,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sabine  was  instituted  into  the  Church  in 
Bethel.  The  Rev.  Richard  Peck  has  returned  from  Connecticut 
to  his  former  station,  and  is  now  laboring  with  success  in  Berk- 
shire and  Montgomery,  and  occasionally  at  Enosburgh.  Fifty- 
three  were  confirraed  in  his  parishes.  In  Highgate,  in  the  north- 
west corner  of  the  State,  they  are  building  a  Church  :  the  one 
building  in  Montgomery,  it  is  expected  will  soon  be  finished.  In 
Cambridge,  where  I  preached  as  I  journeyed  through  it,  by  suita- 
ble exertions,  a  parish  might  be  gathered.  Two  pious,  faithful 
laborers  are  now  much  wanted  in  that  part  of  the  vineyard." 

"  The  Rftv.  Mr.  Cleaveland  who  is  in  ill  health,  I  left  at  Fairfield, 
where  it  is  hoped  he  may  be  able  to  perform  service." 

"  In  Burlington,  a  very  respectable  number  of  people  have 
lately  formed  an  Episcopal  parish,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Chapman  is, 
with  much  success,  officiating  with  them.  They  are  about  com- 
mencing the  building  of  a  Church,  and  the  prospects  there  are 
highly  encouraging.  On  the  26th  of  August,  the  Rev.  Silas  A. 
Crane,Deacon,  was,  at  Middlebury,  ordained  Priest  and  Rector  of 
that  Church,  where  he  is  soon  to  be  instituted." 

"  In  Poultney  the  parish  has  much  increased,  and  the  members 
of  it  are  making  ver}'  great  and  liberal  exertions  to  build  a 
Church,  which  is  already  raised  and  covered.  In  Pawlet  and 
Wells  it  is  thought  parishes  will  soon  be  formed.  On  the  31st, 
the  adjourned  Convention  of  Vermont  met  at  Arlington,  when 
their  new  and  beautiful  Church  was  dedicated  to  God's  holy  wor- 
ship ;  in  which  solemnity  we  were  assisted  by  several  of  our  breth- 


J0UR:N'AL-1831.  379 

ren  from  other  States.  It  is  called  St.  James'  Church,  and  is 
built  of  stone,  in  excellent  taste ;  and,  though  the  parish  is  small, 
at  the  expense,  it  was  said,  of  not  less  than  ten  thousand  dollars; 
more  than  three  thousand  of  which,  I  was  informed,  has  been 
very  freely  contributed  by  one  gentleman.  The  next  day,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Perkins,  their  minister,  was  ordained  Priest.  In  all  the 
services,  the  congregations  were  very  large." 

"  In  Bennington  are  good  prospects :  a  clergyman  is  much 
needed  there,  and  much  desired.  Also  in  a  place  called  Perkins- 
ville,  where  for  the  first  time  I  officiated,  and  where  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Ballard  has  for  some  time  officiated,  some  part  of  his  time,  we 
may  hope  there  will  soon  be  a  parish.  But  what  in  my  late  tour 
through  that  State  was  most  pleasing,  and  is  most  encouraging, 
was  the  ardent,  religious  feeling  which  almost  every  where  pre- 
vailed, beyond  what  I  have  before  so  generally  witnessed." 

"In  journeying  through  the  Diocese,  and  in  Vermont  especial- 
ly, my  attention  has  been  frequently  called  to  the  wonderful  effects 
of  Temperance  Societies :  the  good  already  effected  seems  almost 
incredible  ;  and  daily  on  our  knees  should  we  thank  God  for  the 
success  He  has  given  to  their  labors.  It  is  a  striking  proof  of 
what  great  good  may  be  effected  by  united  and  persevering  effort." 

"  In  the  past  year  the  whole  number  of  those  confirmed,  at  47 
times,  is  530.  Candidates  admitted  are  John  A.  Vaughn, 
Golden  Dearth,  William  P.  Page,  James  W.  Cook,  Daniel  Leach, 
Erastus  D'VVolf,  William  Friend,  and  Jonathan  L.  Woart.  The 
testimonials  of  the  last  three  named,  were  signed  earlier,  but  were 
not  given  me  till  this  last  year.  The  testimonials  of  Charles  Fay, 
George  Burgess  and  Lucius  M.  Purdy  are  also  signed,  but  have 
not  yet  been  delivered  to  me.  Justice  to  the  candidates  requires 
that  in  such  cases  the  record  of  their  being  received  should  be  of 
the  same  date  as  the  testimonials,  signed  by  the  Standing  Com- 
mittee. Mr.  Woart  has  been  dismissed  to  Virginia,  and  there 
recently  ordained.  The  whole  number  of  Candidates,  including 
these  last  named,  is  eighteen.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Joseph  H.  Price, 
William  Horton,  George  F.  Haskins,  Benjamin  Hale,  Silas  A. 
Crane,  and  William  S.  Perkins,  Deacons,  have  been  ordained 
Priests;  and  two  only,  Matthias  Munroe  and  John  Batchelder, 
have  been  ordained  Deacons.     The  latter  of  these  had  been  a 


380  JOVRKAL-183'B. 

minister  in  another  denomination,  and  of  course  was  not  recorded 
as  a  candidate.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Tappan,  Withington,  Fuller, 
Hard  and  Colton,  have  been  at  their  own  request,  dismissed  from 
this  Diocese.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Humphry  and  the  Rev.  A.  Potter 
have  also  left  us." 

"  What  has  been  done  by  several  of  our  state  Conventions, 
respecting  the  division  of  this  Diocese,  is  no  doubt  known  to  you  : 
it  is  a  subject  which  should  be  considered  with  deep  deliberation 
and  earnest  prayer.  Nothing  has  occurred  to  change  the  views 
which  formerly,  and  more  than  once,  I  have  publicly  expressed 
on  this  subject.  It  is  a  subject  which  must  soon  be  considered, 
and  acted  on,  and  probably  no  time  will  be  more  favorable  for  its 
consideration  than  the  present.  Such,  however,  is  my  confidence 
in  the  wisdom  of  this  Convention,  that  I  shall  cheerfully  acqui- 
esce in  whatever  shall  be  your  decision.  I  am  wholly  devoted  to 
our  beloved  Church,  and  what  labors  it  shall  please  the  Lord,  in 
His  merciful  goodness,  still  to  enable  me  to  perform,  are  at  your 
disposal." 


1832. 


LIST     OF     THE     CLERGY     OF     THE    DIOCESE    OF    VERMONT, 
AND    OF    THE    LAY   DELEGATES    WHO    ATTENDED    THE 
CONVENTION  OF  1832. 

CLERGY. 

Rev.  Abraham  Bronson, 
Rector  of  Zion  Church,  Manchester. 

Rev.  George  T.  Chapman, 
Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Burlington. 

Rev.  Carlton  Chase, 
Rector  of  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows  Falls. 

Rev.  Joel  Clap, 
Rector  of  St.  James'  Church,  Woodstock. 


JO  VBKAL-1 8S^.  381 

Rev.  Silas  A.  Crane, 
Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Middlebury. 

Rev.  Anson  B.  Hard, 
Rector  of  Grace  Church,  Sheldon. 

Rev,  John  A.  Hicks, 
Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Rutland. 

Rev.  William  Horton, 
Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Windsor. 

Rev.  Louis  McDonald, 
Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Shelburne. 

Rev.  Sylvester  Nash, 
Rector  of  Union  Church,  St.  Albans. 

Rev.  Richard  Peck, 

Rector  of  Calvary  Church,  Berkshire,   and  Union  Church, 
Montgomery. 

Rev.  William  S.  Perkins, 
Rector  of  St.  James'  Church,  Arlington. 

Rev.  James  Sabine, 
Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Bethel, 

LAY  DELEGATES, 

ST.  JAMES'  CHUKCH,  ARLINGTON : 
Sylvester  Deming,  Simeon  Colb, 

Noble  Hard,  Cyrus  B,  Hills, 

John  B,  Lathrop, 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER: 
Truman  Purdy,  Hiram  French, 

Jesse  Hard. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WELLS: 
Calif  Monroe. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  PAWLET : 
Daniel  Fitch,  James  Cook, 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  POULTNEY: 
Timothy  Marshall,  Aaron  Lewis. 


382  JO  URJ^AL-1 832. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  RUTLAND : 
Porter  Howe,  Lucius  M.  Purdy, 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY  : 
Joel  Doolittle,  George  Cleayeland, 

Calvin  C.  Waller. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  VERGENNES: 
Francis  Bradbury. 

ST  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  BURLINGTON: 
Timothy  Follett,  Andrew  Thompson, 

Justus  Burdick. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  MILTON : 
Samuel  R.  Crane,  Warren  Hoxik. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS: 
John  Richardson,  Benjamin  Richardson. 

GRACE    CHURCH,  SHELDON: 
Isaac  J.  Potter. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD : 
Alfred  Wheeler,  Lyman  Hawley, 

Jeptha  Bradley. 

CALVARY  CHURCH,  BERKSHIRE  : 
David  Coburn. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL: 
John  T.  Sabine. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR  : 
Jessk  Lull,  Simeon  Ide. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  PERKINSVILLE  : 
Thomas  Prentiss. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS: 

John  Atkinson,  Artemas  Robbins, 

m.  s.  buckland. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD : 
Dana  Hyde,  Asabel  Dickenson. 


JOURJfJ.L-1832.  383 


JOURNAL  OF  1832. 


Wednesday,  May  30,  1832. 

This  being  the  day  appointed  by  the  Constitution,  for  the 
annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episco- 
pal Church  in  Vermont,  a  number  of  the  Clergy,  and  Lay 
Delegates  from  several  Parishes,  assembled  in  St.  Stephen's 
Church,  Middlebury,  at  9  o'clock,  a.  m. 

The  Convention  was  organized  by  the  appointment  of 
Eev.  Abraham  Bronson,  President,  pro  tem.  and  Rev.  Joel 
Clap,  Secretary,  pro  tem. 

Present : 

Rev,  Abraham  Bronson,  Rector  of  Zion  Church,  Manchester. 
Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rector  of  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows 

Falls. 
Eev.  Joel  Clap,  Rector  of  St.  James'  Church,  Woodstock. 
Rev.  Silas  A.  Crane,  Rector  of  St.    Stephen's   Church, 

Middlebury. 
Rev,  Anson  B.  Hard,  Rector  of  Grace  Church,  Sheldon. 
Rev.  John  A.  Hicks,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Rutland. 
Rev.    William   Horton,   Rector  of    St.   Paul's   Church, 

Windsor. 
Rev.  Louis  McDonald,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Shelburn. 
Rev,  Sylvester  Nash,  Rector  of  Union  Church,  St.  Albans. 
Rev.  Richard  Peck,  Rector  of  Calvary  Church,  Berkshire, 

and  Union  Church,  Montgomery. 
Rev.  William  S.  Perkins,  Rector  of  St.  James'  Church, 

Arlington. 

Rev.  James  Sabine,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Bethel. 


384  JOUBJ^AL—1832. 

The  following  gentlemen  appeared,  presented  their  Cre- 
dentials, and  took  their  seats  as  Lay  Delegates. 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  ARLINGTON  : 

Sylvester  Deming,  Simeon  Cole, 

Noble  Hard.  Cyrus  B.  Hills, 

John  B.  Lathrop. 
ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WELLS: 
Calif  Monroe, 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  PAWLET: 

Daniel  Fitch,  James  Cook. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  POULTNEY: 

Timothy  Marshall,  Aaron  Lewis. 

trinity  church,  rutland: 
Porter  Howe,  Lucius  M.  Purdy. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S, CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY  : 

George  Cleaveland,  Calvin  C.  Waller. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS: 

John  Kichardson,  Benjamin  Richardson. 

GRACE  CHURCH,  SHELDON: 

Isaac  J.  Potter. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD: 

Alfred  Wheeler,  Lyman  Hawley,  , 

Jeptha  Bradley. 

CALVARY  CHURCH,  BERKSHIRE: 

David  Cobourn. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL: 
John  T.  Sabine. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR: 

Jesse  Lull,  Simeon  Ide. 

IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS : 

John  Atkinson. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  GUILFORD: 
Dana  Hyde. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  PERKINSVILLE  : 

Thomas  Prentiss. 


JO  URjYA  L-1  832.  3S5 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  the  Presi- 
dent be,  and  he  hereby  is,  requested  to  invite  Clergymen  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and  candidates  for  Holy 
Orders  in  the  same,  who  may  be  in  town  during  the  session 
of  this  Convention,  to  honorary  seats  in  the  same. 

Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  chosen  President,  and  Rev, 
Joel  Clap,  Secretary. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  elected  the  Standing 
Committee  :  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rev. 
Silas  A.  Crane,  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rev,  Sylvester  Nash. 

The  business  of  the  Convention  was  suspended  for  the 
purpose  of  attending  Divine  Service. 

Morning  Prayers  were  read  by  Rev.  James  Sabine  ;  the 
Sermon  preached  by  Rev.  William  Horton. 

The  Holy  Communion  was  administered  by  the  Rev. 
President,  assisted  by  Rev.  Anson  B.  Hard  ;  after  which 
the  business  of  the  Convention  was  resumed. 

Rev.  George  T.  Chapman,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church. 
Burlington,  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

The  following  Lay  Delegates  appeared,  presented  their 
Credentials,  and  took  their  seats  :  Truman  Purdy,  Hiram 
French,  and  Jesse  Hard,  from  Zion  Church,  Manchester. 
Artemas  Robbins,  from  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows  Falls. 

Convention  adjourned  until  3  o'clock,  this  afternoon, 

Wednesday,  3  o'clock,  p,  m. 
The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 
The  following  Lay  Delegates  appeared,  presented  their 
Credentials,  and  took  their  seats  :  Francis  Bradbury,  from 
St,  Paul's  Church,  Vergennes  ;  M.  S.  Buckland,  from  Im- 
manuel Church,  Bellows  Falls  ;  Ashbel  Dickinson,  from 
Christ  Church,  Guilford. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  the  Con- 
vention do  now  proceed  to  the  consideration  of  the  separation 
of  this  State  from  the  Eastern  Diocese  : 


386  JOURJ^AL-1832. 

Whereupon,  the  Secretary  having  informed  the  Conven- 
tion that,  in  compliance  with  the  Resolution  of  the  last 
Convention,  upon  this  subject,  he  had  applied  in  behalf  of 
the  Churches  in  this  State,  to  the  Diocesan  and  the  several 
State  Conventions  within  the  Eastern  Diocese  for  permission 
to  withdraw  from  the  said  Eastern  Diocese,  presented  the 
following  documents : 

AN  EXTRACT  FROM  THE  JOURNAL  OF  THE  LAST  CONVENTION 
OF  THE  EASTERN  DIOCESE. 

The  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  division  of  the  Eastern 
Diocese  was  made,  in  the  words  following,  and  unanimously 
adopted : 

"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  so  much  of  the  Bishop's 
address  as  relates  to  the  division  of  the  Eastern  Diocese,  together 
with  the  communication  from  Vermont,  having  taken  the  impor- 
tant subject  intrusted  to  them,  into  the  most  serious  deliberation, 
with  dilio-ent  inquiry  as  to  the  proceedings  relative  to  the  same 
subject,  in  the  several  States  composing  the  Eastern  Diocese,  re- 
spectfully report  the  following  Preamble  and  Resolution. 

Whereas,  it  appears  to  this  Convention,  that  the  Church  in  the 
Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  is  desirous  to  be  erected  into  a 
diocese  by  itself,  retaining  Bishop  Griswold  as  its  Diocesan ;  and 
Whereas,  the  Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont  has  communicated 
to  this  Convention  its  desire  to  apply  to  the  several  States,  com- 
posing the  Eastern  Diocese,  for  permission  to  withdraw  according 
to  the  provision  of  the  9th  Article  of  the  Constitution  :  there- 
fore, 

Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Convention,  the  desire 

of  Massachusetts  is  reasonable,  and  ought,  as  soon  as  circumstances 
allow,  to  be  granted  :  and  this  Convention,  while  it  approves  the 
course  intended  by  Vermont,  expressly  recommends  to  the  several 
States  composing  the  Eastern  Diocese,  with  the  exception  of 
Massachusetts,  to  withdraw,  as  soon  as  may  be  convenient,  from 
this  Convention,  and  to  erect  themselves  into  distinct  Dioceses." 

•  Cambridge,  Nov.  2,  1831. 
Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  ; — At  a    Special  Convention  of  the  Prot- 
estant  Episcopal   Church   in  Massachusetts,  holden  this  day  at 


JOVRKAL-1832.  387 

Trinity  Church,  Boston,  the  following  resolution  was  passed  unan- 
imously, and  is  now  communicated  to  you,  in  obedience  to  the 
direction  of  said  Convention  : 

"The  Convention  having  been  certified  of  the  anxious  desire  of 
the  State  of  Vermont,  to  withdraw  from  the  Eastern  Diocese,  and 
to  erect  itself  into  a  separate  Diocese  as  soon  as  may  be  :  There- 
fore, 

.  Kesolved,  That  this  Convention  fully  concur  therein,  provided 
the  assent  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  be  had 
thereto  :  and  this  Convention,  in  the  adoption  of  the  above  res- 
olution, the  effect  of  which  is  to  promote  the  separation  of  a  com- 
pact, which  has  existed  for  many  years,  and  by  the  Divine  blessing 
been  productive  of  much  comfort  and  advantage,  commends  the 
Church  in  Vermont,  in  case  such  separation  should  be  effected, 
to  the  blessing  of  God,  sincerely  desiring  for  it  all  spiritual 
prosperity  and  peace." 

T.  W.  COIT,  Secretary  of  Con.  of  Mass. 
To  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Secretary  of  Con.  of  Vermont. 

A  Special  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  State  of  Maine,  was  holden  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  Port- 
laud,  Tuesday,  February  7,  1832,  for  the  consideration  of  the 
request  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  as  officially  communicated  by 
the  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  for  permission  to  withdraw  from  the  Eastern 
Diocese  : 

There  were  present.  Rev,  Messrs.  Ten  Broeck,  Olney,  and 
Meuncher,  of  the  Clergy. 

Messrs.  J.  Merrill  and  M.  P.  Sawyer,  of  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Portland,  and  Mr.  John  Batchelder  of  Trinity  Church,  Saco. 

Rev.  Petrus  S.  Ten  Broeck  was  elected  President. 

Prayers  were  offered  up  by  Rev.  Mr.  Meuncher,  of  Saco. 
Voted  that  the  Rev.  Benj.  Hale  be  admitted  to  the  sittings  of 
this  Convention. 

After  consideration  of  the  request  comhiunicated  by  the  Secre- 
tary of  Vermont,  the  following  Preamble  and  Resolutions  were 
unanimously  adopted : 


388  JOUBJfAL-1832. 

Whereas  the  present  exigencies  of  the  Church  in  the  State  of 
Vermont  seem  to  render  it  expedient  that  said  Church  should 
constitute  a  separate  Diocese,  with  the  view  to  the  election  of  a 
Bishop ; 

And  whereas,  the  Convention  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  has 
already  consented  to  the  measure,  and  our  venerable  Diocesan 
has  approved  the  same  :  Therefore, 

Kesolved,  That  the  request  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  State  of  Vermont,  officially  communicated  to  this  Conven- 
tion, by  the  Eev.  Joel  Clap,  to  withdraw  from  the  Eastern  Dio- 
cese, be  cordially  complied  with. 

Kesolved,  also,  That  in  giving  our  assent  to  the  separation  of 
the  Church  in  Vermont  from  the  Eastern  Diocese,  we  heartily 
wish  it  God  speed  in  its  new  course, 

Kesolved,  That  the  Secretary  of  this  Convention  be  requested 
to  transmit  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  preamble  and  resolutions,  to 
the  Secretary  of  the  Convention  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
State  of  Vermont. 
Attest, 

SAMUEL  CUTLER,  Sec'y  Maine  Con. 

Warren,  March  12,  1832. 

Kev.  Mr.  Clap, — Dear  Sir: — At  a  Special  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Khode  Island,  held  in  St.  Paul's 
Church,  North  Providence,  on  the  8th  inst.  the  following  resolutions 
were  adopted; — 

That  this  Convention  having  been  officially  informed  that  the 
Churches  in  Vermont  are  desirous  of  withdrawing  from  the  Eastern 
Diocese,  and  the  Constitution  of  said  Diocese  requiring  our  con- 
sent, it  is  therefore, 

Kesolved,  That  we  consent  to  their  withdrawal. 

Kesolved,  That  the  Secretary  of  this  Convention  communicate 
the  same  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Convention  of  the  Church  of 
Vermont. 

Yours,  respectfully, 

GEO.  W.  HATHAWAY. 


JOURJfAL-1832.  389 

At  a  Special  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Churches 
of  the  State  of  New-Hampshire,  holdea  at  St.  John's  Church,  in 
Portsmouth,  on  Saturday,  tlie  21st  day  of  April,  in  the  year  of 
onr  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-two,  at  eleven 
of  the  clock  in  the  forenoon,  to  act  on  the  following  business  to 
wit :  — 

1.  To  choose  a  President  to  govern  the  said  Convention, 

2.  To  take  into  consideration  the  application  of  the  Episcopal 
Churches  in  Vermont  to  the  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Churches  of  New-Hampshire,  for  permission  to  withdraw 
their  connexion  from  the  Eastern  Diocese,  and  for  the  State  of 
Vermont  to  be  erected  into  a  separate  Diocese, 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Cutts,  Voted,  That,  whereas,  the  Convention 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Churches  in  the  State  of  Vermont, 
have  applied  to  the  Conventions  of  the  several  States  constituting 
the  Eastern  Diocese,  for  permission  to  withdraw  their  connexion 
from  the  said  Diocese,  with  a  view  that  the  State  of  Vermont  may 
be  erected  into  a  separate  Diocese,  this  Convention  do  now  con- 
sent that  the  several  Protestant  Episcopal  Churches  in  the  State 
of  Vermont  may,  at  their  pleasure,  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  with- 
draw their  connexion  from  the  Eastern  Diocese. 

CHARLES  BURROUGHS,  President. 

Lory  Odel,  Secretary,  pro  tem. 

To  THE  Convention  of  the  Protestant 

Episcopal  Church  in  the  Diocese  of  Vermont: 

Whereas,  by  mutual  consent  and  permission  of  the  Convention 
of  the  Eastern  Diocese,  and  of  the  Conventions  of  the  several 
States  which  constitute  or  compose  the  said  Eastern  Diocese,  it 
has,  on  my  recommendation,  and  with  my  approval,  been  permit- 
ted and  agreed,  that  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  State 
of  Vermont,  should  be  separated  from  the  said  Eastern  Diocese, 
and  be  independent  under  the  name  and  title  of  the  Diocese  of 
Vermont : 

Therefore,  I  hereby  authorize  and  permit  the  Convention  of 
the  said  Diocese  of  Vermont,  at  their  next,  or  any  other  regular 
meeting,  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  Bishop  for  the  said  Diocese 


390  JOURJfAL-1832. 

of  Vermont,  and  to  transact  all  other  business  appertaining  to  an 
entire  Diocese,  and  as  being  independent  of  the  Eastern  Diocese. 
ALEX.  V.  GRISWOLD, 

Bishop  of  the  Eastern  Diocese. 
Salera,  May  7,  1832. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  the  following  preamble 
and  resolution  were  unanimously  adopted  : 

Whereas,  at  an  adjourned  session  of  the  last  annual  Con- 
vention, holden  at  Arlington,  on  the  last  Wednesday  of 
August,  1831,  measures  were  taken  for  separating  this  State 
from  the  Eastern  Diocese,  and  for  erecting  it  into  an  inde- 
pendent Diocese  —  and 

Whereas,  the  said  measures  and  the  j)rojected  separation 
have  received  the  approbation  of  the  Convention  of  the 
Eastern  Diocese — of  the  Bishop  of  the  same — and  of  the 
Conventions  of  the  several  States,  constituting  that  Diocese  ; 
Therefore, 

Eesolved,  That  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
State  of  Vermont,  is  hereby  declared  to  be,  and  is  an  inde- 
pendent and  distinct  Episcopal  jurisdiction,  under  the  name 
and  style  of  the  "  Diocese  of  Vermont,"  subject  only  to  the 
law  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  and  under  him,  to  the  Consti- 
tution and  Canons  of  the  General  Convention  of  the  Prot- 
estant Episcopal  Church  in  these  United  States. 

The  proceedings  relative  to  the  organization  of  the  follow- 
ing Parishes  having  been  approved  by  this  Convention,  they 
were  admitted  into  connexion  with  the  Convention  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Vermont  : 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Burlington  ;  Trinity  Church,  Milton  ; 
Union  Church,  Springfield. 

The  following  gentlemen  appeared,  presented  their  Cre- 
dentials, and  took  their  seats  as  Lay  Delegates  :  Andrew 
Thompson  and  Justus  Burdick,  from  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Burlington  ;  Samuel  R.  Crane,  Warren  Hosie,  from 
Trinity  Church,  Milton. 


JO  VRJ^A  L-1 832.  391 

The  following  Report  of  the  Prudential  Committee,  was 
read  and  accepted  : 
To  TUE  Convention  of  the  Diocese  of  Vermont, 

ASSEMBLED  AT  MiDDLEBURY,  MaY  30,   1832  : 

The  Prudential  Committee,  in  offering  their  Annual  Report, 
have  the  pleasure  to  state, 

That  the  encouraging  anticipations  announced  in  their  last 
Report  respecting  the  Prudential  interests  of  the  Diocese,  appear 
to  be  in  a  course  of  realization  as  rapid  as  could  with  reason'  be 
expected.  The  application  to  the  Venerable  Society,  for  a  new 
Letter  of  Attorney,  and  for  the  appointment  of  additional  Agents, 
was  favorably  received.  As  soon  as  the  usual  forms  of  business 
could  be  complied  with,  the  proper  document — not  differing  in 
any  cardinal  point  from  the  former,  was  delivered  to  our  Solicitor 
in  London,  from  whom  it  w^as  received  here  about  the  first  of 
January  last.  The  Agents  appear  to  have  felt  the  importance  of 
proceeding  to  business  with  all  possible  dispatch.  A  meeting 
was  held  at  Middlebury  during  the  first  week  in  February,  where 
and  when  the  agency  was  completely  organized  under  the  name 
and  style  of  "  The  Vermont  Agency  of  the  Society  for  the  Propa- 
gation of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts."  Rules  of  Business 
were  adopted  for  adjusting  and  facilitating  the  operations  of  the 
Agency ;  sundry  important  settlements  were  effected ;  and  much 
appears  to  have  been  done  towards  bringing  the  affairs  of  the 
Agency,  hitherto  confused,  into  seemly  shape  and  order. 

There  still  exist  claims  on  the  Treasury  to  a  considerable 
amount — say  three  thousand  dollars,  which  the  agents  intend  to 
discharge  gradually  while  they  annually  distribute  a  small  allow- 
ance to  the  Churches.  At  the  February  meeting  an  allowance  of 
fifty  dollars  was  made  to  each  Church,  or  association  of  Churches, 
having  a  Clergyman. 

To  what  further  expense  the  agency  may  be  driven  in  asserting 
and  maintaining  the  rights  of  the  Church,  the  Committee  can  not 
with  confidence  predict;  though  they  consider  the  prospect,  in 
that  particular,  rather  favorable  than  otherwise.  Some  further 
expense  there  certainly  must  be — as  the  Convention  will  judge 
from  the  fact  that  tvvelve  suits  have  been  commenced  at  the  late 
■term  of  the  Circuit  Court.     There  is  every  reason  to  believe  that 


392  JOUB.YAL-1832. 

many  of  these  will  be  compromised  before  going  to  trial.  It  is 
expected  that  an  additional  number  of  suits  will  be  undertaken 
before  the  October  Term. 

It  appears  to  the  Committee,  that  the  Agency  as  now  consti- 
tuted, may  be  relied  on  for  acting  with  probity,  wisdom  and 
efficiency ;  and  with  due  attention  to  that  cardinal  virtue  in  the 
management  of  all  temporal  trusts  having  a  spiritual  object — 
economy.  It  consists  of  the  following  named  persons.  Alexander 
Viets  Griswold,  Abraham  Bronson,  Daniel  Chipman,  Jonathan 
Hatch  Hubbard,  Jonathan  Hagar,  Dorastus  Wooster,  and  Carlton 
Chase. 

With  respect  to  the  collection  of  the  rents  by  the  sub-agents,  a 
subject  on  which  the  Convention  has  heretofore  manifested  some 
solicitude,  the  Committee  see,  at  present,  little  cause  of  com- 
plaint. There  doubtless  are  some  cases  of  needless  and  injurious 
delay  in  the  enforcement  of  collections.  To  this,  the  General 
Agency  will  give  attention  in  due  time, — being  determined  that 
men  who  undertake  to  do  their  business,  shall  do  it  promptly  as 
well  as  honestly. 

It  may  be  of  use  to  such  as  have,  or  shall  have  business  with 
the  Agency,  to  know  that  the  Agents  have  resolved  to  hold  a 
meeting  during  the  first  week  in  the  month  of  February,  annually. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

CARLTON  CHASE,  for  the  Committee. 

On  motion  by  E,ev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  a  Com- 
mittee of  three  be  appointed  to  prepare  and  report  to  this 
Convention,  an  Address  to  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Griswold, 

Whereupon  the  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  on 
said  Committee  :  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rev.  Sylvester  Nash, 
Hon.  Joel  Doolittle. 

On  motion  by  Hon.  Joel  Doolittle,  the  following  Pream- 
ble and  Resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted  : 

Whereas,  the  State  of  Vermont  has  become,  and  is  a  sep- 
arate Diocese,  in  conformity  to  the  Canons  of  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church,  and  as  such,   entitled   to  separate 


JO  URKAL-1 832.  393 

Episcopal  Jurisdiction  :  And  the  Episcopate  of  said  Diocese 
being  now  vacant,  and  in  the  opinion  of  this  Convention,  it 
is  expedient  for  the  well  ordering  of  the  Church  in  said  Dio- 
cese, that  said  vacancy  be  filled  at  as  early  a  period  as  may 
be — Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  do,  at  its  present  ses- 
sion, proceed  to  the  election  of  a  suitable  person  to  the 
Episcopate  of  said  Diocese,  to  fill  said  vacancy,  in  the  man- 
ner pointed  out  by  the  Canons  of  this  Church. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  proceed  to  make  the  elec- 
tion, contemplated  in  the  above  resolution,  on  Thursday, 
the  31st  day  of  instant  May,  at  8  o'clock,  A.  m. 

Convention  adjourned  until  8  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
Thursday,  May  31,  8  o'clock,  a.  m. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Hon.  Timothy  Follett,  a  Lay  Delegate  from  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Burlington,  appeared,  and,  his  Credentials  having 
been  previously  presented,  took  his  seat. 

On  motion  by  Mr.  Noble  Hard,  Resolved,  That  the  order 
of  the  day  be  dispensed  with,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving 
the  Parochial  Reports. 

The  following  Parochial  Reports  were  presented  and  read  : 
ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  ARLINGTON. 

W.  S.  PERKINS,    RECTOR. 

Communicants  (additions  3,)  112;  Baptism,  1  adult;  Deaths,  4. 
Since  the  last  Convention,  nothing  specially  interesting  has 
occurred  among  us.  The  Church  edifice  has  been  completed  and 
arrangements  have  been  made  to  obtain  a  superior  organ.  The 
Missionary  Association  have  constituted  their  Rector  a  life  mem- 
ber of  the  General  Missionary  Society. 

ZION  CHURCH,  MANCHESTER. 

ABRAHAM  BRONSON,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  15;  Marriages,  2;  Funerals,  10;  Communicants,  62. 
The    work    of    grace   has    continued   to   make   progress   in  this 


394  JOUEMAL-1832. 

Church.  The  Parish  is  small,  but  a  large  majority  of  the  people 
are  decidedly  and  actively  pious.  Since  the  Convention  of  last 
August,  two  communicants  have  been  removed  by  death,  three 
have  been  transferred  to  other  churches,  eleven  have  joined  in 
communion.  Nearly  twenty,  it  is  believed,  have  been  truly  con- 
verted, who  have  not  yet  come  to  that  holy  ordinance.  The 
Parish  have  contributed  thirty  dollars  to  constitute  the  Rector  a 
life  member  of  the  General  Missionary  Society. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  PAWLET. 

DANIEL  FITCn,  WARDEN. 

Removals,  1 ;  Additions,  4 ;  Communicants,  29. 
ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WELLS. 

DANIEL   LEWIS,  JOHN  C  HOPSON,  WARDENS. 

Communicants,  22.  We  have  been  dsstitute  of  preaching  since 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Bennet  left  Granville,  the  forepart  of  the  winter  last 
past;  yet  we  are  in  connexion  with  the  Church  at  Granville. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH,  POULTNEY. 

MOORE  BINGHAM,  RECTOR. 

Communicants  (added  2,  died  2),  40;  Baptisms  (adults  1,  in- 
fants and  children  5),  6 ;  Sunday  Scholars,  about  20. 

The  Bible,  Prayer  Book,  Tract,  Missionary,  and  Female  Char- 
itable Associations,  heretofore  reported  as  organized,  continue  their 
operations  ;  and  though  all  they  have  accomplished  may  be  little, 
yet  they  judge  that  that  little  should  not  be  left  unnoticed. 

On  the  27th  May,  1831,  the  corner  stone  of  an  edifice  for  the 
accomodation  of  this  Parish,  was  laid  with  public  and  religious 
solemnities ;  and  by  the  Lord's  blessing,  the  same  has  been  com- 
pleted, and  the  congregation  permitted  to  occupy  it  for  the  first 
time,  on  Sunday  last,  being  May  27th,  1832.  The  house  is  ready 
for  consecration;  and  the  Parish  are  inquiring  when  the  Bishop's 
presence  will  afford  them  an  opportunity  of  surrendering  it  to  the 
honor  of  God's  name  and  worship. 

The  style  of  the  house  is  Gothick  ,  the  material  wood;  its  sit- 
uation and  appearance,  truly  beautiful ;  its  internal  arrangements 


JO  UEMAL-1 832.  395 

convenient;  and  it  will  seat  about  four  liundred  people.  Its  erec- 
tion has  cost  the  few  attached  members  of  the  Parish  great  effort 
and  self-denial ;  nor  should  it  be  concealed,  that  the  Parish  still  lies 
under  the  painful  and  dangerous  embarrassment  of  somewhat  more 
than  the  cost  of  the  lot  of  land  on  which  the  house  is  erected. 
Should  assistance  now  be  obtained  to  the  amount  of  one 
hundred  or  two  hundred  dollars  the  Parish  would  doubtless  make 
a  prompt  and  successful  effort  for  the  speedy  disposition  of  the 
remainder  of  its  debt,  and  might  then  be  represented  as  placed  on 
a  footing  of  permanence  and  prosperity. 

By  the  kind  permission  of  the  two  congregations  with  which  he 
is  engaged,  the  Rector  has,  since  and  soon  after  the  last  meeting 
of  this  Convention,  spent  two  Sundays  with  the  parish  in  Rutland, 
and  visited  them  a  few  times  on  other  days.  Of  his  doings  there 
he  thought  it  proper  to  transmit  the  more  specific  record  to  the 
present  Rector  of  that  parish. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  RUTLAND. 

REV.  JOHN  A.  HICKS. 

Rev.  J.  A.  Hicks  reports  that  he  visited  Rutland  and  officiated 
there  for  the  first  time,  on  the  2d  Sunday  of  January.  Having 
received  an  invitation  from  the  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church  to  be- 
come their  Pastor,  he  has  since  continued  to  preach  in  the  East 
Village,  twice  on  Sunday,  and  in  the  West  Parish,  weekly,  on 
Thursday  evening.  Besides  these  services,  he  has  preached  oc- 
casionally at  the  Middle  Village,  and  in  other  places  of  the  sur- 
rounding country.  He  has  lately  established  a  weekly  lecture, 
Bible  class  and  Sunday  School,  and  also  a  Bible  class  at  the 
Middle  Village.  The  Bible  classes  together  contain  about  thirty 
members,  and  the  Sunday  School  twenty-five  scholars,  and  (inclu- 
ding their  pastor)  four  teachers.  The  number  of  Communicants 
is  about  seventeen. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH,  MIDDLEBURY. 

S.  A.  CRANE,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (infants  8,  adults  4)  —  12;  Communicants  (added  8, 
died  and  removed  3),  present  number  49  ;  Marriages  6  ;  Burials  6 ; 


396  JOUEKAL-1832. 

Sunday  School,  40.  Bible  class,  number  varying.  Easter  col- 
lection, eight  dollars  and  nineteen  cents.  Since  the  report  in 
August  last,  there  have  been  some  additions  to  the  Sunday  School 
Library ;  and  although  attendance  on  the  stated  and  occasional 
services  of  the  Church  is  by  no  means  so  general,  constant  and 
punctual,  as  the  importance  of  the  subject  demands,  yet,  painful 
and  unpromising  as  this  circumstance  is,  the  Rector  still  indulges 
the  hope  that  on  the  whole,  the  condition  of  this  Church  is  im- 
proving, and  that  the  strong  bearings  of  public  worship  upon  the 
best  interests  of  man,  both  in  this  life  and  the  life  to  come,  are 
beginning  to  be  better  understood  and  better  attended  to. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  SHELBURN. 

LOUIS  MC  DONALD,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (infants)  —  16;  Marriages,  6;  Funerals,  5  ;  Commu- 
nicants (added  4,  suspended  1)  —  74;  Sunday  School,  35;  Bible 
class,  20.  I  have  attended  one  funeral  in  Charlotte,  and  one  in 
Hinesburgh. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  BURLINGTON. 

G.  T.  CHAPMAN,  RECTOR. 

In  the  Spring  of  1831, 1  received  an  application  from  the  then 
recently  organized  Episcopal  Society  at  Burlington,  requesting  my 
services,  for  an  indefinite  time.  The  result  was  my  arrival  so  as 
to  officiate  with  them  on  the  second  Sunday  of  June,  1831.  Soon 
after  I  was  elected  Rector  of  the  Parish,  and  have  regularly  offi- 
ciated since,  three  times  in  each  Sabbath,  to  full  congregations. 
Before  these  proceedings,  there  had  been  no  stated  services  of  our 
Church,  at  Burlington,  and  the  number  of  families  was  estimated  at 
about  twenty.  By  the  Divine  blessing  upon  my  ministry,  the 
number  of  families  is  now  near,  or  quite,  eighty.  The  first  time  the 
communion  was  administered,  there  were  seventeen  to  receive, 
several  of  whom  had  not  previously  joined  the  Church  ;  the  pres- 
ent number  is  forty-eight.  A  Sunday  School  has  been  estab- 
lished and  one  hundred  and  three  scholars  have  been  admitted. 
The  requisite  number  of  teachers  were  also  easily  obtained,  with 


JOUBJ^AL-1832.  397 

three  hundred  and  seventy-seven  books  of  instruction,  and  one 
hundred  and  thirty-two  suitable  works  for  the  Library.  The 
number  of  baptisms  has  been  48 — 34  children  and  14  adults.  The 
Marriages  have  been  4,  the  Funerals  5  ;  and  shortly  after  my 
arrival,  confirmation  was  held  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  of  the  Dio- 
cese, and  fourteen  persons  were  confirmed.  A  much  larger  num- 
ber are  now  ready  to  receive  that  holy  rite,  when  the  opportunity 
shall  occur.  The  building  of  a  Church  edifice  was  commenced  in 
September  last,  and  is  under  contract  to  be  completed  by  the  first 
of  next  September. 

This  edifice  is  of  unhewn  stone,  in  the  Gothic  style,  with  tower, 
buttresses,  &c.  and  promises  to  be  eminently  beautiful,  reflecting 
great  credit  upon  the  zeal  and  liberality  of  this  new  and  risino- 
parish.  The  dimensions  are  in  length,  including  recess  and  tower, 
86  feet ;  in  breadth,  48 ;  height  of  the  cornice,  29  feet ;  of  the 
tower,  about  75  feet.     The  inside  of  the  church  is  now  finishino-. 

Recapitulation. — Families,  80 ;  Baptisms,  48,  of  whom  14  adults  ; 
Confirmed,  14 ;  Communicants,  48 ;  Marriages,  4 ;  Funerals,  5 ; 
Sunday  Scholars  admitted,  103. 

May  30,  1832. 

N.  B.  I  also  succeeded  during  the  last  winter,  in  organizincr 
a  new  Society,  by  the  name  of  Trinity  Church,  at  the  town  of 
Milton,  fourteen  miles  north  of  Burlington.  They  will  be  repre- 
sented in  the  present  Convention.  It  is  believed  that  there  are 
at  least  thirty  of  the  most  respectable  families,  in  the  town,  who 
will  liberally  aid  in  endeavoring  to  establish  this  church,  on  a 
permanent  foundation.  When  I  have  been  there,  which  has  been 
principally  in  the  week  time,  they  have  manifested  a  most  lauda- 
ble spirit,  and  notwithstanding  the  visits  were  made,  in  most 
instances,  when  the  weather  was  extremely  unfavorable,  the  at- 
tendance has  been  highly  gratifying.  I  should  mention  that  four 
of  the  preceding  baptisms  were  at  this  town,  and  one  at  Shelburn, 
as  also  one  Funeral  at  the  latter  place,  the  Rector  of  that  Church 
being  absent.  The  exact  number  of  communicants,  at  Trinity 
Church,  Milton,  I  do  not  know,  and  therefore,  have  not  included 
them  in  the  preceding  number.  They  are,  however,  more  than 
ten,  and  probably  more  than  twenty.  G.  T.  0. 


398  JO  UBJfAL—1832. 

UNION  CHURCH,  ST.  ALBANS. 

S.  NASH,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  6,  children  10)  —  16  ;  Marriages,  3  ;  Commu- 
nicants, 58.  Nineteen  have  been  added,  and  nine  have  removed, 
since  the  last  Convention. 

With  heartfelt  gratitude  to  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  the 
Rector  vv'ould  acknowledge  His  goodness  in  the  revived  attention 
to  the  subject  of  salvation,  which  was  manifest  in  this  parish, 
while  himself  was  confined  upon  a  sick-bed. 

There  does  not  now  appear  to  be  any  extraordinary  attention, 
but  there  is  good  reason  to  believe  that  a  goodly  number  will  be 
witnesses,  in  eternity,  to  the  benefit  of  that  which  was  experi- 
enced in  August  and  September  last.  May  the  Lord  add  to  their 
number. 

TRINITY  CHURCH,  FAIRFIELD,  AND  GRACE 
CHURCH,  SHELDON. 

A.  B.  HARD,  MINISTER  OP  SHELDON. 

During  the  past  year  these  parishes  have  been  without  a  clergy- 
man. Occasional  services  have  been  held  by  ministers  of  other 
parishes,  and  lay  reading  has  for  the  most  part  been  kept  up  with 
commendable  zeal,  which  has  had  a  happy  effect  in  promoting 
their  spiritual  health  and  prosperity. 

Fairfield  —  Baptisms,  2;  Additions,  6;  Communicants,  91. 
Sheldon  —  Baptisms,  10 ;  Additions,  16 ;  Communicants,  91. 
Since  the  first  organization  of  the  church,  in  these  parishes,  they 
have  united  in  supporting  a  clergyman,  who  has  alternately 
preached  in  each  church,  every  other  sabbath.  During  the  past 
year,  an  amicable  dissolution  of  this  connection  has  taken  place. 

The  parish  in  Sheldon  have  joined  with  a  few  Episcopalians  in 
Highgate,  in  supporting  the  ministry,  and  invited  the  Rev.  A.  B. 
Hard  to  become  their  minister.  Mr.  H.  accepted  the  invitation, 
and  took  charge  of  the  parishes  in  April  last.  In  Highgate  a 
church  will  be  organized  in  a  few  weeks.  A  iQVf  Episcopalians 
in  Fairfax  have  united  with  Fairfield  in  supporting  the  ministry. 
They  have  sent  invitations  to  clergymen  with  the  promise  of  com- 
fortable support,  but  have  not  as  yet  obtained  one.  "  The  field  is 
now  white  unto  the  harvest," — the  Lord  send  them  a  pious, 
devoted,  self-denying  laborer. 


JO  UBJ^AL-1 832.  399 

CALVARY  CHURCH,  BERKSHIRE. 

RICHARD  PECK,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  16,  infants  14  )  —  30;  Sunday  Scholars,  40  ; 
Communicants  (added  23,  removed  and  withdrawn  4),  114. 

UNION  CHURCH,  MONTGOMERY. 

RICHARD  PECK,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  2  ;  Deaths,  2 ;  Marriage,  1 ;  Sunday  Scholars,  60 ; 
Communicants  (added  3,  error  in  the  last  report  3,  removed  and 
died  8)  —  72. 

CHRIST  CHURCH,  BETHEL. 

.      JAMES   SABINE,  RECTOR. 

Things  generally,  are  much  the  same,  as  last  year.  Number  of 
Communicants  (removed  to  other  places  2,  by  death  2)  —  90 ; 
Baptisms  (adults  3,  infants  3)  —  6 ;  Sunday  School,  26 ;  Bible 
Class,  23;  Collected  for  Contingent  Fund,  $3.83. 

ST.  JAMES'  CHURCH,  WOODSTOCK. 

JOEL  CLAP,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms  (adults  2,  children  9) — 11 ;  Marriages,  6  ;  Removals,  7  ; 
Communicants,  25.  Nothing  of  unusual  interest  has  occurred  in 
relation  to  the  condition  of  this  parish  during  the  past  year. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH,  WINDSOR. 

WILLIAM  IIORTON,  RECTOR. 

Communicants,  58;  Baptisms,  2;  Sunday  Scholars,  60. 
IMMANUEL  CHURCH,  BELLOWS  FALLS. 

C.  CHASE,  RECTOR. 

Baptisms,  (adults  9,  children  12)  —  21;  Confirmations,  6; 
Marriage,  1;  Deaths,  4;  Communicants,  60;  Sunday  School 
Library,  about  three  hundred  volumes.  Parish  Library,  one  hun- 
dred and  eighty-six  volumes. 

Through  divine  favor  the  Rector  is  enabled  to  report  this 
Church  as  in  a  condition  highly  prosperous.     A  large  addition 


400  JO  TJRKAL-1 832- 

has  been  made  to  the  Communion,  and  it  may  he  truly  said,  that 
the  truths,  duties  and  hopes  of  religion  are  regarded  with  great 
and  increasing  interest.  By  the  desire  of  numbers  who  could  not 
be  accommodated  within  the  limited  circle  of  a  Bible  class,  the 
Rector  has  converted  his  Bible  class  exercise  into  a  weekly  expos- 
itory lecture.  This  has  hitherto  been  attended  in  a  manner 
greatly  to  his  encouragement.  The  Society  of  Ladies  have  the 
sum  of  fifty  dollars  in  hand  to  be  forwarded  by  the  first  opportunity 
to  the  Treasurer  of  our  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society  ; 
it  being  their  first  payment  on  Mr.  Greenleaf's  plan. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  now  pro- 
ceed to  the  election  of  a  Bishop  for  the  Diocese  of  Vermont. 

After  singing  a  portion  of  the  122nd  Psalm,  some  min- 
utes were  spent  in  secret  prayer.  The  President  then  con- 
ducted the  public  devotions  of  the  Convention  in  the  use  of 
some  appropriate  collects. 

The  clergy  then  retired,  for  the  purpose  of  making  a 
nomination,  as  required  by  the  5th  Article  of  the  Constitu- 
tion. And  on  their  return,  the  President  informed  the 
Convention  that  the  Clergy  had  proceeded  to  vote  by  ballot 
for  some  suitable  person  to  be  nominated,  for  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese,  and  that  the  Rev.  John  H.  Hopkins  received  a 
majority  of  the  ballots  of  all  the  Clergy  entitled  to  vote  : 
And  in  behalf  of  the  Clergy,  nominated  the  said  John  H. 
Hopkins  for  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Vermont. 

The  Clergy  again  retired,  in  order  to  give  the  Laity  an 
opportunity  to  act  upon  the  aforesaid  nomination  :  on  their 
return,  the  Laity  announced  by  their  Chairman,  Hon.  Joel 
Doolittle,  the  approval  on  their  part,  of  the  aforesaid  nomina- 
tion of  the  Rev.  John  H.  Hopkins,  as  Bishop  of  Vermont, 
by  a  majority  of  all  the  Lay  Delegates  entitled  to  seats  in 
this  Convention. 

The  Convention  adjourned  until  two  o'clock,  this  after- 
noon. 

Thursday,  2  o'clock,  p.  m. 

The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 


J0UR:N'AL-1832.  401 

On  motion,  Ordered,  that  the  following,  which  is  a  correct 
statement  of  the  votes  on  the  election  of  a  Bishop  which 
took  place  this  morning,  be  entered  on  the  Journals  of  this 
Convention: 

BY  THE  CLERGY. 

For  Eev.  John  H.  Hopkins, 7 

For  Kev.  John  S.  Stone,       6 

BY  THE  LAITY. 

Approving  Rev.  John  H.  Hopkins,      .     .     31 
Not  approving, 9 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  unanimously, 
That  the  Rev.  John  H.  Hopkins  be,  and  he  is  hereby  de- 
clared duly  elected  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  State  of  Vermont. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr,  Chase,  Resolved,  That  the  Presi- 
dent of  this  Convention  be,  and  he  hereby  is  directed,  under 
his  own  signature  and  the  counter  signature  of  the  Secre- 
tary, to  inform  the  Bishop  elect  of  his  election. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  Delegates  to  the 
General  Convention  :  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Carlton 
Chase,  Rev.  George  T.  Chapman,  and  Rev.  Sylvester  Nash. — 
Messrs.  George  Cleaveland,  Simeon  Ide,  Truman  Purdy, 
and  Samuel  R.  Crane. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  in  case  it 
should  be  inconvenient  for  any  or  either  of  the  aforesaid  del- 
egates to  attend  the  General  Convention,  they  be  severally 
authorized  to  appoint  a  substitute,  with  the  consent  of  anv 
two  members  of  the  Standing  Committee. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  address  to  the 
Right  Rev.  Bishop  Griswold,  reported  the  following  address, 
which  was  unanimously  adopted  : 

The  Cona'ention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
State  of  Vermont, — 

To  THE  Right  Reverend  Alexander  V.  Griswold, 
Bishop  of  the  Eastern  Diocese  : 
Reverend  Father  in  God, — In  assuming  the  station  of  a  dis- 
tinct and  independent  Diocese,  we  are  reminded  at  every  step  of 
our  measures,  of  the  relation  which  our  Church  during  the  period 


402  JOVBKAL-1832. 

of  twenty  years,  has  sustained  towards  you.  Amidst  the  interest 
attending  this  great  and  affecting  crisis  in  our  ecclesiastical  con- 
cerns, our  "  hearts  are  bowed  as  the  heart  of  one  man"  at  the 
thought  of  taking  leave  of  him,  whose  hands,  after  the  manner 
of  the  Holy  Apostles,  have  been  laid  on  us  and  our  children,  bless- 
ing, confirming,  and  ordaining  in  God's  name. 

When  we  look  back  to  the  period  of  your  first  visitations,  and 
consider  that  we  were  then  "  the  fewest  of  all  people,"  we  feel 
thankfully  sensible  of  that  providence  which  set  you  over  us  in 
the  Lord,  and  which  enabled  you  by  example,  and  counsel,  and 
doctrine,  to  contribute  so  much  towards  the  revival  of  his  work 
among  us.  And  now,  in  the  very  fact  of  our  separation,  we 
make  it  manifest,  that  the  good  hand  of  our  God  has  hitherto 
rested  on  us,  multiplying  and  strengthening  us  under  your  minis- 
try ;  and  at  length,  granting  us  such  possessions  and  prospects, 
both  spiritual  and  temporal,  as  seem  to  make  it  plain  that  we 
ought  to  ask  of  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  the  entire  services 
of  a  Bishop. 

This  crisis  has  indeed  been  delayed  through  an  extreme  imwil- 
lingness  to  deprive  ourselves  of  the  ministrations  of  a  Bishop 
whom  we  so  truly  revere  and  love.  And  we  come  to  our  present 
measures  only  under  the  conviction,  that  our  Churches  need  a 
degree  of  attention  which  no  man  can  possibly  render,  whose  field 
of  duty  and  weight  of  burdens  are  as  great  as  yours. 

It  may  be  truly  said  that  the  Lord  has  so  multiplied  the  seed 
sown  under  your  ministry,  that  the  fruits  have  become  more  than 
you  can  gather.  In  compliance  therefore  with  a  suggestion  often 
repeated  by  yourself,  we  are  at  length  constrained  to  invite 
'another  to  enter  into  your  labors'  —  in  the  full  belief  'that 
both  he  that  hath  sowed,  and  he  that  shall  reap,  will  rejoice  to- 
gether. '  " 

And  now.  Right  Reverend  Father,  while  with  grateful  and  affec- 
tionate hearts  we  take  leave  of  you,  "  sorrowing  most  of  all  that 
we  shall  see  your  face  no  more,"  suffer  us  as  the  children  of  your 
prayers  and  labors  of  love,  to  beg  an  interest  in  your  remembrance 
and  in  your  daily  supplications  before  the  Throne  of  Grace.  And 
be  assured  that  towards  you  we  shall  never  cease  to  cherish  a 
filial  regard ;  nor  will  it  cease  to  be  our  hearts'  desire  that  the 


JO  VRXAL-1 832.  403 

Lord  will  have  you  in  His  holy  and  special  keeping — sealing  your 
Office  and  Ministry  with  abundant  effusions  of  His  Holy  Spirit, 
and  thus  multiplying  your  "  crowns  of  rejoicing  in  the  day  of  the 
Lord  Jesus." 

On  motion,  Resolved,  that  the  members  of  this  Conven- 
tion be,  and  they  hereby  are  requested  severally  to  sign  the 
aforesaid  address ;  and  that  the  Secretary  be  directed  to 
forward  it  to  Bishop  Griswold. 

The  Address  was  then  signed  by  all  the  Clerical  and  Lay 
members  of  the  Convention  who  were  present. 

The  Canonical  Testimonial  in  favor  of  the  Consecration  of 
the  Bishop  elect  was  then  read  and  signed  by  all  the  Clergy 
and  all  the  Laity  of  the  Convention  who  were  present.  (  See 
Appendix.) 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  Resolved,  That  the  Dele- 
gation to  the  General  Convention  be  authorized  to  take  such 
measures  as  may  be  necessary  to  obtain  the  Consecration  of 
the  Bishop  elect. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  next  annual  meeting  of 
this  Convention  be  held  at  Rutland. 

The  Rev.  George  T.  Chapman  was  appointed  to  preach 
before  the  next  Convention,  and  the  Rev.  Anson  B.  Hard 
was  appointed  his  substitute. 

The  following  Report  of  the  Standing  Committee  was 
presented  and  read  : 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  the  Standing  Committee,  holden  at 
Arlington,  on  the  31st  day  of  August,  1831,  at  which  were  pres- 
ent Rev.  Abraham  Bronson,  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rev.  Joel  Clap, 
and  Rev.  Silas  A.  Crane, 

The  Rev.  Abraham  Bronson  was  appointed  President,  and  Rev. 
Joel  Clap,  Secretary. 

The  requisite  Testimonials  in  favour  of  the  Consecration  of  the 
Rev.  Levi  Silliman  Ives,  Bishop  elect  of  the  Diocese  of  NortTi 
Carolina,  and  Rev.  Benjamin  Bosworth  Smith,  Bishop  elect  of  the 
Diocese  of  Kentucky,  were  duly  executed. 


404  JOURMAL-183^. 

The  Canonical  Testimonial  in  favour  of  Lucius  M.  Purdy, 
recommending  him  to  be  received  as  a  candidate  for  Holy  Orders, 
was  executed. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  duly  called,  holden  at  Wood- 
stock on  the  2d  day  of  November,  1831,  present,  Eev.  Abraham 
Bronson,  Rev.  Joel  Clap,  Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Rev.  Sylvester 
Nash, 

The  Secretary  of  the  Convention  was  directed  to  give  notice 
to  the  Clergy  and  the  several  parishes  in  the  State,  that  an  elec- 
tion of  a  Bishop  for  the  Diocese  of  Vermont  will  take  place  at  the 
next  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention  in  said  State.  And  also 
to  request  the  Standing  Committees  of  the  several  States  composing 
the  Eastern  Diocese,  to  call  special  Conventions  in  order  to  lay 
before  them  the  application  of  this  State  to  withdraw  from  the 
Eastern  Diocese. 

The  requisite  Testimonial  recommending  John  T.  Sabine  to  be 
received  as  a  candidate  for  Holy  Orders  was  duly  executed. 

JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 

May  29,  1832. 

The   Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund  presented  the 

following  report,  which  was  read  and  accepted. 

Joel  Clap,  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund, 

In  account  with  the  Convention,     Dr. 

To  balance  on  hand,  as  per  last  Report, $79.38 

To  contribution  taken  up  in  Convention, 8.69 

To  contribution  from  Union  Church,  St.  Albans,     ....  7.43 
"  "      Zion  Church,  Manchester,    ....     3.00 

"  "      Immanuel  Church,  Bellows  Falls,  .     .  5.00 

"  "      St.  Paul's  Church,  Windsor,     .     .     .     5.00 

«  "      Christ  Church,  Bethel, 3.83 

»  "      St.  Paul's  Church,  Wells,  ....     1.00 

$lia33 
Per  Contra,  Cr. 

By  cash  paid  for  printing  Journals  of  1831,  .     .  $12.00 
By  Trunk  for  Records,  &c 3.50 

$15.50 

Balance  on  hand  this  day,  .     .     .     .     .     $  97.83 
May  31,  1832.  JOEL  CLAP,  Treasurer. 


JOURJ^AL-1832.  .       405 

Oq  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Nash,  Resolved,  That  those 
parishes  which  have  not  taken  up  a  collection  for  the  Con- 
tingent Fund,  be  requested  to  take  up  a  collection  for  that 
Fund,  on  or  before  the  last  Sunday  in  June  next,  and  for- 
ward the  same  to  the  Treasurer. 

On  motion,  ordered,  That  the  Secretary  publish  six 
hundred  copies  of  the  Journal  of  this  Convention,  at  the 
expense  of  the  Contingent  Fund. 

On  motion  by  Rev.  Mr.  Nash,  Voted,  That  the  Treasurer 
of  the  Contingent  Fund  be  directed  to  pay  to  each  of  the 
Delegates  from  this  Convention,  who  may  attend  the  next 
General  Convention,  Ten  Dollars. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  the  following  proposed  altera- 
tion of  the  Constitution  be  entered  upon  the  Journal. 

Resolved,  That  the  Constitution  of  this  Diocese  be  so 
altered,  that  the  annual  Convention  shall  meet  on  the  third 
Wednesday  in  September,  annually. 

The  Prudential  Committee  for  the  year  ensuing,  was 
appointed  as  follows  : — Andrew  Thompson,  John  Atkinson, 
John  A.  Pratt,  and  Hon.  Joel  Doolittle. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  Contingent  Fund  be 
directed  to  forward  to  the  Secretary  of  the  General  Conven- 
tion the  assessment  for  this  Diocese. 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  a  Committee  of  six  be  appoint- 
ed to  make  arrangements  for  the  location  and  salary  of  the 

Bishop  elect. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  on  said  Com- 
mittee :  Rev.  George  T.  Chapman,  Andrew  Thompson,  Esq., 
Rev.  Carlton  Chase,  Hon.  Joel  Doolittle,  Mr.  Simeou  Ide, 
and  Rev.  John  A.  Hicks. 

Rev.  Silas  A.  Crane  was  appointed  Assistant  Secretary. 
Convention  adjourned  until  5  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Friday,  June  1,  5  o'clock,  A.  m. 

Convention  met  according  to  adjournment ;  and  after  a 
selection  of  collects  read  by  the  Rev.  President,  adjourned 
without  day.  A  true  Record. 

JOEL  CLAP,  Secretary. 


• 


406  JOURKAL-183^. 


APPENDIX. 


We,  whose  names  are  under  written,  fully  sensible  how  impor- 
tant it  is  that  the  sacred  office  of  a  Bishop  should  not  be  un- 
worthily conferred,  and  firmly  persuaded  that  it  is  our  duty  to 
bear  testimony,  on  this  solemn  occasion,  without  partiality  or 
affection,  do,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God  testify,  that  the 
Rev,  John  H.  Hopkins  is  not,  so  far  as  we  are  informed,  justly 
liable  to  evil  report,  either  for  error  in  religion,  or  for  viciousness 
in  life ;  and  that  we  do  not  know  or  believe  there  is  any  impedi- 
ment, on  account  of  which,  he  ought  not  to  be  consecrated  to 
that  Holy  office.  We  do  moreover  jointly  and  severally  declare, 
that  we  do  in  our  consciences  believe  him  to  be  of  such  sufficien- 
cy in  good  learning,  such  soundness  in  faith,  and  of  such  virtuous 
and  pure  manners,  and  godly  conversation,  that  he  is  apt  and 
meet  to  exercise  the  office  of  a  Bishop,  to  the  honor  of  God  and 
the  edifying  of  His  Church ;  and  to  be  an  wholesome  example 
to  the  flock  of  Christ. 

Done  in  Convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  the 
State  of  Vermont,  at  Middlebury,  this  thirty-first  day  in  May,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-two. 

CLERGY. 

Abraham  Bronson,  Rector  of  Zion  Church,  Manchester. 
Joel  Clap,  Rector  of  St.  James'  Church,  Woodstock. 
Carlton  Chase,  Rector  of  Immanuel  Church,  Bellows  Falls. 
G.  T.  Chapman,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Burlington. 
Sylvester  Nash,  Rector  of  Union  Church,  St.  Allans. 
Richard  Peck,  Rector  of  Calvary  Church,  Berkshire. 
John  A.  Hicks,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Rutland. 
Louis  McDonald,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Shelhurn. 
James  Sabine,  Rector  of  Christ  Church,  Bethel. 
William  Horton,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Windsor. 
Anson  B.  Hard,  Rector  of  Grace  Church,  Sheldon. 
William  S.  Perkins,  Rector  of  St.  James'  Church,  Arlington. 
S.  A.  Crane,  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Middlebury. 


JOURJ^AL-1832.  407 

LAY  DELEGATES. 
Truman  Purdy,  Ziou  Church,  Manchester. 
Jesse  Hard,  "  " 

Hiram  French,  "  " 

Artemas  Robbins,  luiraanuel  Church,  Bellows'^  Falls. 
John  Atkinson,  "  " 

M.  S.  BUCKLAND,  "  " 

A.  Thompson,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Burlington. 

TlMO.  FOLLETT,  "  " 

Justus  Burdick,  "  " 

Calif  Monroe,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Wells. 
John  Richardson,  Union  Church,  St.  Albans. 
Benjamin  Richardson,     "  " 

Alfred  Wheeler,  Trinity  Church,  Fairfield. 
Lyman  Hawley,  "  " 

Jeptha  Bradley,  "  " 

Isaac  J.  Potter,  Grace  Church,  Sheldon. 
Fra.  Bradbury,  St,  Paul's  Church,    Vergennes. 
Porter  Howe,  Trinity  Church,  Rutland. 
Lucius  M.  Purdy,         "  " 

John  T.  Sabine,  Christ  Church,  Bethel. 
Jesse  Lull,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Windsor. 
Simeon  Ide,  "  " 

Noble  Hard,  St.  James'  Church,  Arlington. 
Joel  Doolittle,  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Middlehury. 
George  Cleaveland,  "  " 

Calvin  C.  Waller,  "  " 

Timothy  Marshall,  St.  John's  Church,  Boultney. 
Aaron  Lewis,  "  " 

Daniel  Fitch,  Trinity  Church,  Pawlet. 
James  Cook,  "  " 

Ashbel  Dickinson,  Christ  Church,  Guilford. 
Thomas  Prentiss,  St.  John's  Churcli,  Perkinsville. 

fifth  article  of  the  constitution  of  the    PROTESTANT    EPISCOPAL 
church  IN  THE  STATE  OF  VERMONT. 

"  If  at  any  time  a  Bishop  is  to  be  elected  by  this  Convention, 
the  Secretary,  by  order  of  the  President  or  Standing  Committee, 
shall  write  to  the  Minister  or  one  of  the  Wardens  of  each  Church, 


408  JO  VEKAL-1 832. 

at  least  six  weeks  before  the  election  is  to  take  place,  and  give 
notice  of  the  time  and  place  appointed  for  such  election,  and 
request  that  Delegates  may  attend  the  Convention  for  the  purpose; 
and  in  every  such  election  the  Convention  shall  vote  in  distinct 
orders — the  Clerical  order  shall  make  a  nomination  by  ballot,  and 
a  majority  of  the  Lay  Delegates  shall  approve  the  appointment, 
before  the  person  shall  be  considered  elected." 


In  the  Address  of  Bishop  Griswold  to  the  Convention  of  the 
Eastern  Diocese  held  in  Trinity  Church,  Boston,  September  26th, 
1832,  there  is  not  much  which  has  particular  reference  to  the 
Church  in  Vermont.  What  of  that  character  it  contains  is  here 
inserted : 

"  In  my  late  visit  in  those  parts,  I  preached  at  Bellows  Falls  and 
Windsor  in  Vermont,  but  I  judged  it  most  suitable  to  decline  ad- 
ministering confirmation,  for  which  some  in  the  latter  place  were 
prepared." 

"  The  Rev.  Dr.  Hopkins  has  been  elected  to  the  Episcopate  of 
Vermont,  and  we  are  likely  soon  to  suffer  the  great  loss  of  his  re- 
moval from  this  State  ;  but  we  ought  humbly  to  trust  that  He  who 
governs  all  things  will  overrule  it  to  the  more  general  good  of  His 
Church." 

"As  I  have  resigned  the  jurisdiction  of  Vermont,  and  that  State 
is  now  become  a  separate  Diocese,  it  will  be  sufficient  to  state,  that 
I  leave  it  in  great  prosperity.  Eighteen  years  ago  they  had  but 
one,  or  at  most  two  officiating  clergymen  :  now  they  have  twelve 
or  more.  They  then  had  not  one  church  edifice,  properly  their 
own  :  now  they  have  twelve  new  ones  which  are  consecrated,  and 
five  or  six  more  which  are  built  or  in  building.  Then,  if  I  recollect 
aright,  they  had  three  organized  parishes  :  in  their  late  Conven- 
tion, twenty-four  were  represented.  Thousands  of  dollars  they 
have  in  that  time  expended  in  obtaining  possession  of  the  lands 
which  belong  to  this  Church  :  now  as  we  hope,  the  business  is 
settled,  and  those  expensive  litigations  at  an  end." 

"  To  the  number  of  candidates  for  Holy  Orders  have  been  added, 
J.  Hamilton  Parker,  Thomas  Robinson  Hunter,  Francis  Peck,  Hen- 
ry Bulfinch,  John  T.  Sabine,  Nathaniel  H.  Munroe,  Henry  Water- 


JOUBJ^J.L-1832.  409 

man,  Josepli  H.  Dor,  Jun.,  Darius  Barker,  Stephen  C.  Millet, 
Edward  0.  Ball,  and  Samuel  Moody  Emery  :  with  two  or  three 
more,  who,  I  am  told,  are  by  the  Standing  Committee  received, 
but  their  Testimonials  not  yet  given  to  me." 

"The  Rev.  Matthias  Muuroe  has  been  ordained  Priest,  and  John 
Batchelder,  Erasmus  D' Wolfe,  Joseph  M.  Brown,  Mark  Anthony, 
D' Wolfe  Howe,  Ephraira  Munroe,  George  Munroe,  George  V.  C. 
Eastman,  Jacob  Pierson,  Samuel  M'Burney,  Samuel  B.  Babcock, 
and  Lucius  M.  Purdy,  have  been  admitted  to  the  order  of  Deacons. 
The  Rev.  Isaac  Peck,  Alonzo  Potter,  Benjamin  C.  Cutler,  have 
taken  letters  dismissory  to  the  Diocese  of  New- York.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Pierson  is  officiating  at  Guilford,  in  Vermont,  and  the.  Rev. 
Mr.  Purdy  has  gone  to  Connecticut ;  but  neither  of  these  two  is 
dismissed  from  this  Diocese.  Through  the  Lord's  goodness,  none 
of  our  clergymen  have  been  removed  by  death. 

"  It  is  said  of  the  Apostle  John  that  the  experience  of  a  long  life 
and  still  more  the  teaching  of  the  Divine  Spirit,  had  so  convinced 
him  of  the  excellence  of  charity,,  and  the  necessity  of  Christians' 
loving  each  other,  that  in  his  latter  years,  this  was  the  constant 
theme  of  his  preaching  and  exhortation,  I  can  truly  say  that  my 
own  experience  has  led  to  the  same  conviction ;  and  that  such  is 
the  teaching  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  as  recorded  in  the  Sacred  Scriptures, 
none  who  read  them  can  doubt.  Loving  our  Christian  brethren  is 
the  best  evidence  '  that  we  have  passed  from  death  unto  life ;'  this 
indeed  is  the  perfection  of  all  morality  and  religion;  even  the  ful- 
filling of  the  whole  law.  Without  this  charity,  our  faith  and  works 
of  zeal  are  nothing.  The  worst  enemies  of  the  Church  are  they  who 
disturb  its  peace,  and  the  greatest  obstacles  to  Christian  love  are 
bigotry  and  party  spirit.  The  Church  to  which  we  belong  is  by 
nothing  more  distinguished  than  by  its  spirit  of  liberality,  truly  so 
called,  and  the  sentiments  of  union  and  love  which  it  so  uniformly 
inculcates.  None  can  be  truly  her  children,  nor  deserve  the  name 
of  Christian,  who  do  not  follow  after  that  charity  which  is  the  bond 
of  perfectness," 

"We  of  the  Clergy,  who  profess  to  be  ministers  of  Christ, 
and  to  act  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  Him,  who  was  so  distinguished 
by  meekness  and  love,  are  especially,  and  above  all,  under  the  most 
sacred  and  solemn  obligations,  'to  maintain  and  set  forward,  as 


410  JOURKAL-1832. 

much  as  lieth  in  us,  quietness,  peace  and  love,  among  all  Clivistian 
people  and  especially  among  them'  with  whom  we  are  particularly 
connected." 

"If  we  are  deficient  in  this,  we  are  faithful  in  nothing.  And  in  this, 
my  brethren  beloved  in  the  Lord,  there  are  none,  who  preach  the 
gospel  of  the  blessed  Redeemer,  that  have  an  easier  or  more  pleas- 
ing task  than  us,  the  Clergy  of  this  Diocese.  The  Laity — the 
people  of  our  parishes,  are  generally  and  remarkably  disposed  to 
union  and  peace.  One  of  the  most  encouraging  circumstances 
in  the  state  of  this  Diocese,  and  for  which  we  ought  daily  to  bless 
God,  is  the  evident,  and,  I  think  increasing  disposition  to  harmony 
and  love.  There  is  also,  in  my  judgment,  evidently  among  our 
population  increasing  desire  to  hear  the  pure  Gospel  of  Christ 
preached  in  sincere  love :  to  hear  the  doctrines  of  the  Cross — the 
momentous  words  of  eternal  life.  And  certainly  it  would  be  doing 
injustice  to  our  clergy  to  suppose  that  such  a  change  is  gradually 
taking  place  without  their  agency  and  co-operation.  Union  and 
good  feeling  have  generally  and  very  much  prevailed  now  for  more 
than  twenty  years  among  all  our  churches;  and  there  is,  I  am  fully 
persuaded,  not  only  an  increasing  willingness  in  hearing,  but  also 
an  increasing  fidelity  in  preaching  the  Gospel  of  salvation.  Unhap- 
pily, there  is  before  the  public  an  appearance  of  discord  among  the 
Clergy  of  this  State,  much  greater,  as  I  believe,  than  actually 
exists ;  and  if  any  are  so  wicked  as  to  rejoice  in  the  expectation  of 
seeing  us  a  divided  Church,  they  will, I  trust  in  God,be  disappointed. 
We  stand  on  a  foundation  too  firm  to  be  shaken  by  momentary 
gusts  of  passion.  We  have  too  much  regard  for  the  religion 
which  we  profess ;  for  the  Master  whom  we  serve,  and  for  the 
Church  which  we  all  love,  to  jeopard  our  souls  for  the  vanities  of 
life,  or  dishonor  Christ  by  selfishness  and  pride.  We  will  not  for- 
sake the  ark  of  our  safety ;  we  will  not  like  the  raven  fly  to  and 
fro  while  the  floods  continue ;  but  like  the  dove,  return  with  the 
olive  branch  to  its  bosom." 


INDEX. 


Adams,  Jasper,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  173  ;  ordained  Priest,  p.  174. 

Adams,  Parker,  ordained  Priest,  p.  124. 

Allen,  Ira,  and  Enoch  Woodbridge,  petition  the  General  Assem- 
bly to  sequester  the  Church  Rights  for  the  benefit  of  Vermont 
University,  p.  47  ;  moves  for  a  Committee  to  consider  the  propri- 
ety of  disposing  of  these  lands,  pp.  47.  48;  motion  granted,  pp. 
48,  49. 

Application  to  the  S.  P.  G.  in  F.  P.  to  convey  prior  to  1790,  p.  7  ; 
in  1793,  pp.  17,  18;  in  1800,  p.  70. 

Arch-Bishop  of  Canterbury,  letter  of  J.  A.  Graham  to,  pp.  32, 
33,  36;  his  objection  to  the  consecration  of  Dr.  Peters,  pp.  33 
— 36  ;  letter  to  Col.  Graham,  pp.  38,  39. 

Arlington,  p.  154;  p.  186;  p.  192;  p.  288;  p.  320;  p.  357; 
pp.  378,  379;  consecration  of  Church,  365. 

Articles  of  Religion  proposed  by  the  General  Convention  read 
and  considered  by  the  Convention,  p.  70. 

Assembly,  General,  Memorial  of  John  Wheelock  to,  asking  a 
Grant  of  land,  p.  8;  Grant  made,  p.  8;  second  application  made 
but  refused,  pp.  8 — 10;  directs  the  Selectmen  to  take  charge  of 
the  Glebe  and  Society  Lauds  and  lease  the  same  for  seven  years, 
p.  11 ;  petition  of  the  Episcopal  Convention,  in  regard  to  Glebe 
and  Society  Lands  in  1792,  p.  13;  Bill  referred  to  the  next 
Legislature,  pp.  14,  17 ;  Bills  introduced  respecting  Church 
Lands,  p.  17;  action  in  regard  to  Cluirch  Lands  in  1794,  pp. 
47 — 54;  the  law  respecting  Glebes  repealed  in  1799,  p.  66; 
action  in  regard  to  Glebe  Lands  in  1802,  pp.  85 — 88;  in  1803, 
pp.  89 — 92;  in  1804,  pp.  93 — 95;  sequestration  of  the  Glebe 
Lands  in  1805,  pp.  98 — 103;  appro])riation  to  the  town  of 
Pawlet,  p.  140  ;  appropriation  in  the  matter  of  New-Haven  and 
William  Wheeler,  p.  162 ;  further  appropriation,  p.  177  ;  course 
respecting  the  decision  of  the  court,  p.  235 ;  act  in  regard  to 
forfeitures,  p.  256 ;  appoint  an  Agent,  p.  256 ;  appropriation 
to  close  the  affair  of  New-Haven,  p.  272;  action  in  regard  to 
the  suit  against  Berlin,  pp.  336 — 341 ;  action  in  regard  to 
Pawlet  and  Danby,  p.  360. 

Attorney,  Power  of,  to  Col.  John  A.  Graham,  p.  22. 


412  •     IJ^DEX  COJfTIJfUED. 

Baldwin,  Eleazer,  president  of  Con.,  in  1790,  p.  6;  in  1792,  p. 
13;  in  1793,  p.  15;  in  1794,  p.  21;  letter  to  the  Arch-Bishop 
of  Canterbury,  pp.  30,  31  ;  president  of  Con.  in  1795,  p.  55;  in 
1796,  p.  60;  in  1797,  p.  63. 

Barber,  Rev.  Daniel,  Sec.  Con.  in  1790,  p. '6;  in  1792,  p.  13; 
in  1793,  p.  15;  appointed  a  Deputy  to  the  General  Convention 
in  1793,  p,  16 ;  in  1794  appointed  Sec.  of  Con.,  p.  21 ;  informs 
Dr.  Peters  of  his  election,  p.  26;  letter  to. the  Arch-Bishop  of 
Canterbury,  pp.  30,  31 ;  action  of  ejectment  against  him  by 
the  Selectmen  of  Manchester,  p.  65  ;  decision  against  the  town, 
pp.  65,  66 ;  letter  to  Dr.  Parker,  pp.  75,  76 ;  left  the  Protest- 
ant Episcopal  Church,  p.  175. 

Bass,  Rev.  Edward,  elected  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Vt.  in  1793, 
p.  16;  his  letter  of  acceptance,  p.  18  ;  sketch  of  his  life,  pp.  19,20. 

Batciielder,  John,  ordained  Dea.  p.  379  ;  ordained  Priest,  p.  409. 

Baury,  Alfred  L.,  ordained  Dea.,  p.  202  ;  ordained  Priest,  p.  228. 

Beach,  Stephen,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  143;  Priest  in  1817;  In- 
stituted into  the  parish  in  Fairfield,  Sept.  20,  1818,  p.  157. 

Bellows  Falls,  pp.  157,  158,  175,  191. 

Bennington,  p.  186,  379. 

Berkshire,  187,  188,  228,  247,  287,  319,  356,  378. 

Berlin,  action  to  vacate  the  title  of  the  Society  Lands,  pp.  336 
—341. 

Bethel,  p.  190 ;  p.  228 ;  p.  235  ;  p.  242  ;  pp.  246,  247  ;  pp.  248, 

249;  p.  319;  p.  357;  p.  378. 
Bingham,  More,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  288 ;    ordained  Priest,  pp. 

319,  320.    ' 
Bishop  of  New  York  requested  to  have  charge  of  the   Church 

in  Vermont,  p.  97 ;  his  assent,  p.  104. 
Blackaller,  Henry,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  356  ;  ordained  Priest, 

p.  356. 

Board  of  Land  Agents  nominated  in  1800,  pp.  70,  71  ;  in  1805, 
pp.  98,  104. 

Brainard,  Elijah,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  227. 

Bristed,   John,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  288;  ordained  Priest,  p.  302. 

Bronson,  Abraham,  pp,  83 — 85;  chosen  Sec.  of  Con.  in  1803,  p. 
88;  in  1804,  p.  93;  in  1805,  p.  96;  in  1806,  p.  103;  in  1807, 
p.  106;  in  1808,  p.  108;  in  1809,  p.  109;  in  1810,  p.  Ill;  in 
1811,  p.  119;  in  1814,  p.  126;  chosen  President  in  1816,  p. 
140;  in  1817,  p.  146;  in  1818,  p.  151;  in  1819,  p.  159;  in 
1820.  p.  ll)4;  in  1822,  p.  194;  appointed  a  Trustee  of  the  Gen. 
Theol.  Sem.,    p.   198 ;    chosen  Presitlent  in  1823,  p.  204 ;    in 


LYDEX  OOKTIKUED.  413 

1825,  p.  258;  in  1827,  p,  292;  in  1828,  p,  305;  in  1829,  p, 
323;  in  1880,  p.  342 ;  in  1832,  p.  385. 

Burlington,  p.  186;  p.  378. 

Cambridge,  p.  247. 

Canons  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Vermont,  pp.  119,  120,  121, 
136,  170,  206,  211,  212,  343,  353,  354,  367,  368. 

Chapman,  George  T.  ordained  Deacon,  p.  143. 

Chase,  Carlton,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  172 ;  ordained  Priest,  p.  174. 

Chase,  Philander,  application  for  Deacon's  orders,  p.  61 ;  sketch 
of  his  life,  pp.  61 — 62. 

Chipman,  Daniel,  attorney  for  the  Church,  p.  150  ;  report  in  he- 
half  of  the  Agents,  pp.  211—227. 

Chipman,  Nathaniel,  Petition  of,  to  the  Gen.  Assembly  in  regard 
to  the  Lands  of  the  Prop.  Soc.  in  1787,  pp.  10 — '11. 

Chittenden  Thomas,  certificate  of,  in  regard  to  the  Standing 
Committee,  pp.  31,  82. 

Chittenden,  Bethuel,  President  of  Con.  1798,  p.  63 ;  in  1799, 
p.  67;  in  1800,  p.  69;  in  1801;  p.  72;  in  1802,  p.  84;  in 
1803,  p,  88;  in  1804,  p.  93;  1805,  p,  96;  in  1806,  p.  103; 
in  1807,  p.  106;  in  1808,  p.  107;  in  1809,  pp.  109,  110. 
Sketch  of  hia  life.  p.  110. 

Clap,  Joel,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  171;  ordained  Priest,  p.  173, 
instituted   into  the  parish  of  Shelburn,  p.  174. 

Clark,   Daniel,  action  against,  p.  115;  decision,  pp.  137 — 140. 

CoiT,  Joseph,  H.  ordained  Deacon,  p.  288 ;  ordained  Priest,  pp. 
319—320. 

Committee,  Prudential,  appointed  in  1820,  p.  170;  in  1821,  p. 
181;  1822,  p.  197;  1823,  p.  209;  1824,  p.  241;  1825,  p.  267  ; 
p.  1826,  280;  1828,  p.  316  ;  1829,  p.  325;  1831,  p.  365;  1832, 
p.  405 ;  Reports  of,  p.  281,  p.  292,  294 ;  pp.  305—309  ;  p.  326 ; 
pp.  345,  346;  pp.  363—365;  391,  392;  instructed,  p.  318;  p. 
375. 

Committee,  Standing,  appointed  in  1793,  p.  15  ;  letter  to  the 
Arch-Bishop  of  Canterbury,  pp.  30,  31 ;  to  make  report  to  the 
Convention,  pp.  342 ;  Reports  of,  343,   366,  403,  404. 

Constitution  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Vermont ; 
committee  appointed  to  form  one  in  1799,  p.  68 ;  adopted  in 
1810,  p.  Ill;  committee  to  revise,  pp.  146,  161,  165,  166, 
adoption  of  the  revised  constitution,  pp.  166 — 168;  proposed 
amendments,  p.  210;  amended,  pp.  241,  244;  proposed  amend- 
ment, p.  280;  adopted,  pp.  292,  302,  303,  351—353 ;  time  of 
meeting  changed,  p.  405. 

Convention,  Diocesan,  1790,  pp.  5,  6;  1791,  p.  12;  1792,  pp. 
12,  13;  1793,  pp.    14—17;  1794,  pp.  20,  21,    46:  1795,  pp. 


414  IJ^DEX  COJ^TIJ^UED. 

55—60;  1796,  pp.  60—62;  1797,  p.  63;  1798  pp.  63— 65 ; 
1799,  pp.  67,  68;  1800,  pp.  69—71;  1801,  pp.  72—83;  1802, 
pp.  83—88;  1803,  pp.  88—92;  1804,  pp.  92—95;  1805,  pp. 
95—103  ;  1806,  pp.  103—105  ;  1807,  pp.  105—107  ;  1808,  pp. 
107,108;  1809,  109,  110;  1810,  pp.  110—118;  1811,  pp.118 
—122;  1812,  pp.  122— 125  ;  1813.  pp.  125,  126;  1814,  pp. 
126—134;  1815,  pp.  134—140;  1816,  pp.  140—145;  1817,  pp. 
145_151 ;  1818,  pp.  151—158  ;  1819,  pp.158— 163  :  1820,  pp. 
163—177,  1821,  pp.  178—192;  1822,  pp.  193—204;  1823, 
pp.  204—235;  1824,  pp.  235—257;  1825,  pp.  257—272; 
1826,  pp.  272— 290 ;  1827,  pp.  290—303;  1828,  pp.  304— 
322  ;  1829,  pp.  322—341 ;  1830,  pp.  341—360  ;  1831,  pp.  360 
—380;   1832,  pp.  380—410. 

Convention,  General  ;  Deputies  appointed  in  1793,  p.  16 ;  in 
1796,  p.  61;  in  1798,  p.  64;  in  1799,  p.  68;  in  1801,  p.  72; 
in  1810,  p.  113;  in  1813,  j).  125;  in  1816,  p.  141 ;  in  1819,  p. 
161;  in  1821,  p.  181;  in  1822,  p.  197;  in  1823,  p.  209;  in 
1824,  p.  243  ;  in  1825,  pp.  267,  268 ;  in  1826,  p.  280 ;  in  1827, 
p.  301 ;  in  1828,  p.  316;  in  1829,  p.  325;  in  1830,  p.  346;  in 
1831,  p.  375  ;  in  1832,  p.  401. 

OossiT,  Rev.  Mr.  appointed  Agent  for  the  S.  P.  G.  F.  P.,  p.  7. 

CovELL,  Joseph  S.  ordained  Deacon,  p.  250. 

Crane,  Silas  A.  ordained  Deacon,  p.  356;  ordained  Priest,  p.  378. 

Dartmouth  College,  grant  to,  of  township,  p.  8  ;  second  applica- 
cation  refused,  pp.  9,  10,  11. 

Deputies  to  General  Convention,  appointed  in  1793,  p.  16; 
in  1796,  p.  61 ;  in  1798,  p.  64;  in  1799,  p.  68;  in  1801,  p.  72 ; 
in  1810,  p.  113;  in  1813,  p.  125;  in  1816,  p.  141;  in  1819,  p. 
161;  in  1821,  p.  181;  in  1822,  p.  197;  in  1823,  p.  209;  in 
1824,  p.  243;  in  1825,  pp.  267,  268;  in  1826,  p.  280;  in  1827, 
p.  301;  in  1828,  316;  in  1829,  p.  325;  in  1830,  p.  346;  in 
1831,  p.  375;  in  1832,  p.  401. 

Diocese,  attempts  to  form  a,  in  the  valley  of  Connecticut  River 
in  1801,  pp.  73,  81 ;  action  of  the  General  Convention  in  re- 
gard to  it,  pp.  74,  81 ;  course  of  the  Diocese  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, pp.  74,  77,  78;  number  of  parishes  concerned,  pp.  81 — 83. 

Diocese,  Eastern,  Constitution  adopted  1810,  pp.  112,  113; 
election  of  a  Bishop,  p.  115:  his  acceptance,  p.  115,  116;  his 
consecration,  p.  117  ;  Vermont  wishes  to  withdraw,  p.  301 ; 
subject  postponed,  p.  311 ;  Massachusetts  moves  for  a  dissolu- 
tion, pp.  362,  363 ;  action  of  the  Vermont  Convention,  pp.  366, 
368 ;  Convention  proceeds  to  act,  pp.  385. 

Eastman,  G.  V.  C,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  409. 

Edmond,  David,  appointed  Agent  of  the  State  in  the  matter  of 
the  Propagation  Society,  and  New-Haven,  p.  162. 


IJVDFX  COJ^TIJVUED.  415 

Enosburgh  formation  of  parish,  p.  201. 

Facts  and  Documents,  1794,  pp.  20 — 54. 

Fairfield,  p.  143;  pp.  156, 157;  pp.  186,  187;   pp.  247,  248,  287. 

Fund,  Contingent,  to  be  provided  by  the  Churches,  pp.  264 — 266  ; 
p.  280  ;  p.  293 ;  p.  316 ;  p.  325 ;  p.  344 ;  p,  375  ;  p.  404. 

Gallup,  Oliver,  action  of,  in  regard  to  Church  lands,  p.  17. 

Giddings,  Job,  and  Tinio.  Todd  to  secure  an  Act,  p.  6. 

Glebe  Lands,  granted  by  Gov,  Wentworth,  p.  6;  taken  posses- 
sion of  by  the  Selectmen  in  1787,  p.  11  ,•  greater  power  given  in 
1789,  p.  11;  sequestered  in  1794,  pp.  47 — 54;  law  repealed  in 
1799,  p.  66;  committee  appointed  to  lease  in  1800,  p.  70;  sub- 
ject before  the  Geneial  Assembly  in  1802,  pp.  85 — 88;  in  1803, 
pp.  89 — 92;  in  1804,  pp.  93 — 95;  Convention  votes  to  raise 
money  to  get  possession,  p.  97  ;  sequestered  by  the  General 
Assembly  in  1805,  pp.  98—103. 

Graham,  John  A.  sent  to  England  to  secure  the  consecration  of 
Dr.  Peters,  and  as  Agent  and  Attorney  of  the  Church,  pp.  21, 
22;  letter  to  Rev.  Dr.  Morice,  pp.  23,  24.  letters  to  the  Arch 
Bishop  of  Canterbury,  pp.  32,  44;  interview  with  the  Arch 
Bishop,  pp.  33—35;  letter  to  the  Arch-Bishop,  pp.  36—38; 
thanks  for  his  services  in  England,  pp.  56. 

Grisvvold,  Rev.  Alexander  Viets,  his  election  as  Bishop,  pp. 
114,  115;  acceptance,  pp.  115,  116;  his  consecration,  pp.  117, 
118;  Address  in  1812,  pp.  124,  125;  1814  charge,  pp,  127 
—131;  Address,  p.  131—133;  Address,  1816,  pp.  143—145; 
Address  1818,  pp.  154—158;  Address  1820  pp.  171—177; 
Address  1822,  pp.  185—192;  Address  1822  pp.  199—204; 
1823,  pp.  227—231  ;  1824,  pp.  245—250  ;  1825  pp.  268—270; 
1826,  pp.  286—290 ;  1827  pp.  301,  302 ;  1828  pp.  318—322; 
1829,  pp.  331—335  ;  1830,  pp.  354—357  ;  1831,  pp.  376—380  ; 
Address  to,  by  the  Convention,  pp.  392,  401 — 403 ;  Address, 
1832,  p.  408—410. 

Gray,  Jordan,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  192  ;  his  death,  p.  328. 

Guilford,  pp.  171,  172;  pp.  249,  2-50;  p.  332;  p.  378. 

Hopkins,  Rev.  John  H.,  elected  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Ver- 
mont, pp.  400,  401 ;  Testimonials  pp.  406—408. 

HoRTON,  William,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  319;  ordained  Priest, 
p.  377. 

Henshaw,  J.  P.  K.,  ordained  Deacon,  132. 

Highgate,  p.  378. 

Humphrey,  Rev.  Aaron  ordination  of,  p.  124. 

Hutchinson,  Titus,  appointed  Agent  of  the  State  in  the  matter  of 
Church  Lands,  p.  256;  his  action  and  report,  pp.  336 — 337. 


416  IJfDEX  COJ^TIiN-UED. 

Jericho,  visit  of  Bishop  Grisvvold  1820;  visit  of  Bishop  Giiswold 
182Jr,  p.  247. 

Journal  of  Diocesan  Convention  1790,  pp.  5,  6;  1791,  p.  12; 
1792,  pp.  12,  13;  1793,  pp.  14,-16;  1794,  pp.  20—54; 
1795,  pp.  55— 60;  1796,  pp.  60— 62;  1797,  p.  63;  1798,  pp. 
63—66;  1799,  pp.  67,68;  1800,  pp.  69— 71 ;  1801,  pp.  72— 83; 
1802,  pp.  83—88;  1803,  pp.  88—92;  1804,  pp.  92—95  ;  1805, 
pp.  9,^—103;  1806,  Dp.  103—105;  1807,  pp.  105—107  ;  1808, 
pp.  107,  108;  1809,  pp.  109,  110;  1810,  pp.  111—118;  1811, 
118-122;  1812,  pp.  122— 125;  1813,  pp.  125—126;  1814, 
pp.  126— 134;  1815,  pp.  134— 140;  1816,  140-145;  1817, 
pp.  14.5—151;  1818,  pp.  151-158;  1819,  pp.  158—162;  1820, 
pp.  163— 177;  1821,pp.  178— 192;  1822,  pp.  193—204;  first 
published  in  1822,  p.  199;  1823,  pp.  204—235;  1824,  pp.  235 
—257;  1825,  pp.  257—272;  1826,  pp.  272—290;  1827,  pp. 
290—303;  1828,  pp.  304— 322  ;  1829,  pp.  322— 341 ;  1830, 
pp.  341—360;  1831,  pp.  360—380;  1832,  pp.  380-410. 

Leonard,  Rev.  George  instituted  into  St.  Paul's  Church,Windsor, 
p.  228. 

Liturgy,  proposed  alterations  by  the  General  Convention,  not 
adopted  by  this  Church,  p.  317. 

Lyon,  Matthew,  petition  of,  for  grant  in  1789,  p.  11;  dismissed 
in  1790,  p.  11 ;  appointed  a  Deputy  to  the  Gen.  Convention 
in  1793  p.  16. 

McDonald,  Louis,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  288;  ordained  Priest,  pp. 
819,  820;  instituted  into  the  parish  of  Bhelburne,  p.  820. 

Manchester,  Selectmen  of,  bring  an  action  of  ejectment  against 
Rev.  Daniel  Barber,  p.  65 ;  decided  against  them,  pp.  65,  66. 
State  of  Church,  p.  154;  p.  175;  p.  192;  p.  288. 

Memorial  of  certain  Churches  in  New-Hampshire  and  Vermont 
to  the  General  Convention,  p.  73 ;  Committee  appointed  there- 
on p.  73  ;  report  of  said  committee  and  the  action  of  the  Con- 
vention, pp.  73,  74. 

Middlebury,  condition  of  the  Church,  p.  144 ;  p.  155  ;  p.  157 ; 
p.  186;  p.  228;  p.  248;   p.  287;   p.  320;   p.  357;    p.  378. 

Missionary  Society,  report  of  Committee,  pp.  182,  183  ;  Consti- 
tution, pp.  183,  184 ;  meeting  and  report,  pp.  244,  245  ;  offi- 
cers, p.  303. 

Montgomery,  visit  of  Bp.  Griswold,  1821,  p.  188;  p.  856;  p.  378. 

MoRiCE,  Rev.  William,  letters  to  J.  A.  Graham,  pp.  24,  25. 

Munroe,  Matthias,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  879. 

New-Haven  and  William  Wheeler,  suit  to  recover  lands,  pp. 
282—235  ;  pp.  271,  272. 


IJ^'DEX  COJYTIJfUED.  417 

Nichols,  Rev.  James,  action  of  Convention  in  regard  to  in  1799, 

p.  68 ;  suspended,  p.  174. 
Ogden,  John  C,  in  Convention,  1793,  p.  15. 
Parochial  Libraries,  p.  285. 

Pardee,  Rev.  Amos,  elected  Secretary  of  Convention,  1801,  p.  72*. 
Parker,   B.  C.  C,  ordained    Deacon,  p.    288  ;     ordained  Priest, 

p.  302. 
Parker,  Rev.  Dr.,  his  course  in  regard  to   the  formation  of  a 

Diocese  in  the  Valley  of  Connecticut  River,  pp.  73,  74. 

Parochial  Reports,  p.  120;  p.  123;  p.  135;  p.  142;  pp.  152, 
153;  pp.  159,  160;  pp.  164,  165;  pp.  179,  180;  pp.  194  — 
196  ;  pp.  206—209  ;  pp.  237—241 ;  pp.  259—263 ;  pp.  272— 
279;  pp.  294—300;  pp.  311—316;  pp.  327—330;  pp.  346 
—350  ;  pp.  368—374 ;  pp.  393—400. 

Pawlet,  Town  of,  against  Daniel  Clark  and  others,  to  recover  the 
Glebe  Rights,  p.  137  ;  decision  of  Supreme  Court,  pp.  137 — 
140  ;  Societv  against  Pawlet ;  decision  for  the  Society,  pp.  357 
—360. 

Peck,  Richard,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  287;  ordained  Priest,  p.  319. 

Perkins,  William  S.,  ordained  Priest,  p.  379. 

Peters,  Rev.  Samuel,  LL.  D.,  elected  Bishop,  1794,  pp.  21,  25, 
26  ;  letter  to  Rev.  D.  Barber,  pp.  26,  27,  28 ;  letter  to  the 
Churches,  pp.  28,  29  ;  letter  to  Truman  Squier,  pp.  40 — 46  ; 
resolution  of  respect,  p.  56;  consecration  sought  in  this  country, 
pp.  56,  57,  58;  consecration  refused,  pp.  57,  58;  sketch  of  the 
life  of  Dr.  Peters,  pp.  58,  59,  60. 

POULTNEY,  p.  378. 

Randolph,  visited  by  Bp.  Griswold  in  1821,  pp.  189,  190;  p.  247. 

Rutland,  condition  of  the  Church,  p.  155  ;  p.  186  ;   248;  p.  287. 

Sabine,  James,  ordained  Deacon  p.  332;  ordained  Priest  p.  356; 
instituted,  p.  378. 

Safford,  Silas  S.,  ordained  Deacon,  p.  132. 

Sandgate,  organization  of  Church,  p.  186. 

Shaw,  Samuel  B.,  ordained  Deacon  p.  202  ;  ordained  Priest  p.  250. 

Shelburne,  visit  of  Bp.  Griswold  1818,  p.  156  ;  p.  165;  p.  186; 
p.  248;  p;   378. 

Sheldon,  state  of  Church,  p.  156;  pp.  186,  187  ;  p.  287. 

Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  grants 
to  pp.  6 — 7  ;  notice  taken  of  them  in  1762  and  1764,  p.  7;  in 
1773  Rev.  Mr.  Cossitt  empowered  to  see  Justice  done  in  the 
allotment  of  Glebes  and  Society  Lands,  p.  7  ;   in  1785  the  Secre- 


418  IMBEX  COJiTLWUED. 

tary  directed  to  write  to  parties  in  America  p.  7 ;  application 
for  conveyance  prior  to  1*790,  p,  7  ;  Grants  taken  possession  of 
by  the  Selectmen  in  1787,  p.  11;  application  for  conveyance 
through  the  Bisliop  of  New-York  pp.  17 — 18;  refused,  p.  1  8  ; 
application  to  give  a  power  of  Attorney  to  Trustees,  p.  70  ;  re- 
newed application,  pp.  96 — 98;  subject  before  the  Convention  in 
1806,  pp.  104,  105;  in  1807,  pp.  106,  107;  in  1808,  p.  108; 
in  1809,  pp.  109,  110;  in  1811,  1815,  agents  and  attorneys, 
recommended,  pp.  135,  136;  Power  of  Attorney  given  1816, 
pp.  147 — 150  ;  suit  against  New-Haven  p.  150  ;  decision  of  the 
same,  pp.  232 — 235  ;  agents  requested  to  report  to  Convention, 
p.  243  ;  report  of  Committee  in  regard  to  its  lands,  pp.  263 — 
266  ;  statement  of  Mr.  Bronson,  p.  267  ;  Committee  appointed 
to  aid  the  Board  of  Agents,  p.  309  ;  New  Agents  nominated,  pp. 
324,  325 — 330,  331  ;  decision  of  the  Circuit  Court  in  favor  of  the 
Society,  pp.  338 — 341  ;  suit  against  the  Town  of  Pawlet,  pp. 
357 — 360  ;  decision  for  the  Society,  pp.  357 — 360. 

Squier,  Truman,  Sec.  of  Convention  1795,  p.  55;  1796,  p.  60; 
1797,  1798,  p.  63;  p.  63 ;  1799,  p.  67;  1800,  p.  69;  1801,  pp. 
72,  73;  1802,  p.  84. 

Stewart,  Rt.  Rev.  Charles,  kindly  offices  in  regard  to  the  Church 
in  Vermont,  p.  108;  visit  to  Vermont,  takes  charge  of  petition 
to  the  S.  P.  G.  p.  137  ;  vote  of  thanks  to,  pp.  153 — 154  ;  pay- 
ment for  his  trouble,  pp.  165,  166  ;  assessment  on  the  parishes, 
pp.  169,  170. 

St.  Albans,  p.  156;  p.  186;  p.  248;  p.  287;  p.  320;  pp.  356, 
357. 

Todd,  Timothy,  and  Job  Giddings  to  secure  an  Act,  pp.  11,  12. 

Trustees  of  Donations,  Board  incorporated,  1810,  p.  119. 

Van  Ness,  Gov.,  message  of,  in  regard  to  Church  Lands,  p.  251  ; 
correspondence  with  the  Hon.  D.  Webster,  pp.  252 — 254  ;  the 
end  of  the  affair  of  New-Haven,  and  W.  Wheeler,  p.  271. 

Vergennes,  state  of  church,  pp.  155,  156  ;  p.  186. 

Webster,  Daniel,  correspondence  with  Gov.  Van.  Ness  pp.  252 
—255. 

Wheelock,  John,  proceedings  of  with  the  Legislature  of  Vermont, 
pp.  8,  9,  10. 

Windsor,  p.  157  ;  p.  173;  p.  175;  p.  190;  p.  228;  p.  332  ;  p.  357  ; 
p.  377. 

Woodbridge  Enoch,  and  Ira  Allen  petition  of  to  Gen.  Assembly 
to  sequester  the  Church  Lands  for  benefit  of  Vermont  University 
p.  47. 

Woodstock,  p.  288;  p.  319;  p.  332,  333,  335,  357. 


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